:-NRLF 


I 


POEMS 


BY 


E.  L.  NOBLE 

n 


BOSTON 

THE    GORHAM   PRESS 
1906 


Copyright  1906  by  E.  Iv. 


All  Rights  Reserved 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston 


CONTENTS 

BOOK  I 

The  Poetic  Spirit          .         .         .  .  .         1 

A  View  of  Life              .     ••..-.  .  .         4 

A  Matrimonial  View    ...  .  .         8 

BOOK   II 

The  Beauties  and  Powers  That  Be  .  .114 

BOOK    III 

A  Child  of  Nature         ,         .         .  -.•  .     182 

Memory                .         .         .         *  .  .     197 

The  Old  And  The  New          .        .  .  .200 

Love     .         .         ..        .         .v      .  .  .202 

Liberty  Bell           .         .         .         .  .  .206 

To  A  Friend         .      ^  .         .         .  ,  -     208 

To  A  Lady  Friend       .         .         .  .   .  .208 

To  A  Lady  Friend  After  Visiting  Her  Home    209 

The  Way       .        .         .         .         .  .  .     211 


M191879 


THE  POETIC  SPIRIT 

Poetry's  the  quintessence  of  truth  in  fairest 
beauty  clad, 

Magnetic  like  connecting  all  that  makes  heart  and 
soul  most  glad ; 

Or   like    some   ether'al   tube  extending  beyond 
bound  of  night, 

Through  which  we  may  drink  essence  of  pure  in- 
tellectual light ; 

Through  which  the  soul  doth  gather  wealth  richer 
than  the  purest  gold, 

Which  purify  and  crystalize  our  being  in  purest 

mould. 

Poetry's  that   Spirit  which   inspires    nature's 
vital  powers 

To  play  in  softest  sweetest  grandeur  'neath  seques- 
ter'd  bowers — 

Where  silent  joys  spread  a  couch  most  magnifi- 
cent, pure  and  grand — 

Where  bright  sparkling  waters  babble  pouring 
over  golden  sand : 

'Tis  that  spirit  which  emanates  from  the  universal 
soul, 

While  in  order,  eternal  laws  in  sublimest  beauty 

roll. 

Poetry's  that  grandeur   that  over    the    raging 
billows  smile ; 

While  the  lightning  flashes;  all  elements  dash  in 
torrents  wild ; 

That  holds  serenest  beauty  o'er  the  most  arid  des- 
ert seen ; 

Where  blue  of  the  sky  shows  purest  in  the  sun's 

resplendent  beam. 

That    silent    majesty,  which  rule    holds   o'er 
primeval  forest ; 

That  grandeur  of  floral  beauty,  which  in  somber 
shades  doth  rest, 

Is  poetic  spirit,  one  imposing  majestic  greatness — 


Other,  beauty  in  purity,  resting  in  eternal  stillness. 
That  silence,  which  holds  all   in    awe    before 
the  hurricane's  rage, 

Is  pictur'd  in  poetic  beauty  on  many  a  fold'd  page. 

That    purest   domestic   life,    which   about   each 
hearth-stone  that  steals, — 

Which,  yet,  rules  hearts  of  men  when  time  many 
a  destiny  seals : 

That  purest  vernal  beauty,  which  yet  rules  the 
heart  as  of  yore, — 

Which   ripens   into   autumnal   wealth,    nature's 
most  lavish  store : 

That  deep  pure  silent  love,  which  rules  the  fire- 
side, at  winter's  eve, 

Of  the  distant  home  of  the  cotter,  which  purest 
joys  doth  leave, 

Are  lasting  influences  of  pastoral  love  and  beauty, 

Which  are  the  deepest  essence  of  parental  love 

and  duty. 

Elegance  and  dignity   of   life  're    subjects    of 
lyric  themes ; 

The  real  daring  and  brave  revel  and  soar  in  tragic 
dreams. 

Deepest  truths  and  purest  knowledge  are  taught 
in  didactic  verse ; 

Pure  streams  of  love  flow  through  the  soul  from 
the  voice  that  can  rehearse 

The  powers  that  inspired  the  poet  to  produce 
such  a  rhyme — 

Which  beauty  flowing  through  the  heart  and  re- 
flecting on  the  mind 

Exalting  in  ecstacy  of  soul,  beyond  this  vale  of 
tears ; 

And  carrying  to  a  state  of  bliss  beyond  this  flight 
of  years, 

Where  poets  alone  doth  live,  while  serving  on 
probation  here  ; 

Where  to  enjoy  light  and  beauty  of  the  most  ra- 
diant sphere. 

6 


Deep  and  pure  are  poetic  laws,  yet,  deeper  still 
is  its  source — 

Pure  and  sweet  are  its  influences ;  more  lovely,  yet, 
its  force — 

It  is  the  deep  essence  of  love  flowing  from  a  foun- 
tain-head ; 

Where  to  a  purer,  richer,  source  of  life  no  stream 

hath  e'er  led. 

Any  prose  production  may  be  given  in  rhyme 
and  meter; 

Yet,  it  is  not  poetry,  but,  is  only  render'd  sweeter. 

Language  like    metal,  must  be  under  many  for- 
ges, wrought ; 

Each   time    show    forth   a    deeper,    and   richer, 
and  purer  thought 

Until  all  dross  and  all  baseness  wholly  extracted 
be, 

Thus  and  thus  alone  we  pure  poetic  verse  may 

hope  to  see. 

Kach  subject  has  a  poetic  side,  but  poets  lone 
can  view ; 

But  of  the  subject  in  itself  alone,  this  is  never  true ; 

The  poetic  side  only  can  see  in  the  Creator's  plan ; 

And  the  wonders  view'd  are  but  the  plastic  beau- 
ties of  His  hand. 

There  is  a  poetic  essence  in  every  human  speech, 

But  how  few  are  the  minds  that  can  that  deep 
pure  essence  reach? 

How  sweet  and  lovely  must  be  that  speech,  all 
dross  extracted  from,  — 

Kach  word  growing  sweeter, — All  forming  a  more 
elegant  psalm. — 

How  great  must  be  that  knowledge,  where  only 
words  most  pure  are  heard ; 

Where  by  purer  love  and  beauty  the  heart's  being 
ever  cheer' d. 


A  VIEW  OF  LIFE 

By  the  kind  assistance  of  a  retrospect  of  life, 
I  reclaim  my  happiest  day  and  quietest  night ; 
And  live  again  youth's  most  blissful  hour 
In  softest  shades  of  sweetest  bower. 
Cooled  by  the  gentlest  breeze  that  sways 
The  dark  green  leaves  of  the  growing  maize ; 
Enraptured  by  sweetest  song  sung  in  nature's  way; 
Enticed  by  the  softest  hues  of  floral  display ; 
Enchanted  by  fragrance  of  fairest  flowers  that 

blow; 
Entomb' d  by  the  verdant  grandeur  of  forest  show. 

Again  I  lie  in  a  quiet  pensive  dream 
On  a  cool  mossy  brink  of  a  gurgling  stream, — 
View  the  limpid  waters  flowing  in  silv'ry  sheen ; 
And  with  equal  delight  drink  in  the  forest  green. 
I  now  awake  from  my  sleeping  state, 
And  pursue  with  joy  the  long  spent  chase — 
Drawn  on  by  the  fond  exspectation  of  hope ; 
Eagerly  climb  the  brow  of  the  rocky  slope, 
And  follow  on  til  I  have  securely  reached 
The  dazzling  summit  of  the  loftiest  peak — 
While  proudly  on  that  glowing  hight  I  stand — 
Survey  beneath  the  vales  of  drifting  sand  ; 
Intercept 'd  by  the  rivulets'  sparkling  strand ; 
Dotted  by  solitary  abodes  of  man. 
From  the  crags  below  comes  the  eaglets'  clamo- 
rous cry ; 
Silenc'd  by  a  motherly  voice  from  depths  of  the 

sky; 

And  turning  to  gaze  on  the  bird  of  supreme  flight, 
The  surrounding  landscape  fades  in  dimness  of 

sight. 

Here  comes  a  glimmering  light  of  the  contract- 
ed sphere  of  man ; 

Broaden'd  only  through  magnetism  of  that  hea- 
venly mind, 
Who,  from  the  throne  of  his  majesty  on  high, 

8 


vScans  all  things  with  the  sight  of  a  perfect  eye ; 

As  they  here  in  this  dusky  vault'd  chamber  range, 

To  detect  if  any  to  nature  have  grown  strange. 
In  the  paradise  of  God,  or    garden  of  primi- 
tive man, 

An   image    of   creation   in   primeval  beauty  yet 
stands ; 

Will  continue  Heaven's  jewel  for  returning  pil- 
grims to  wear  ; 

And  thus  all  the  host  of  heaven  must  appear  in 
alike  attire. 

Of  all  the  rich  gifts  of  that  most  beautiful  land 

There's  no  sweeter  than  that  enabling  us  to  stand 

In  the  likeness  of  God, — true  image  of  man. 
My  heart  with  true    rev'rence    being    deeply 
embued  ; 

I  turn  from  the  trail  of  the  game  before  pursued, 

To  follow  in  the  path  marked  and  lighted  by  truth 

Instead  of  wasting  life  chasing  phantoms  of  youth. 
I  have  travers'd  this  world  in  search  of  a  retreat 

Where  favors  of  life  flourish  in  fragance  most 
sweet, 

And  find  that  place  is  not  in  air,  on  sea  or  land, 

If  it  depends  on  satisfying  the  greed  of  man. — 

But,  for  a  man  of  generous  heart  and  benevolent 
way; 

Control'd  by  that  beauty  and  that  art  to  which 
nature  gives  sway ; 

With  these  principles  to  control,  for  life  of  refine- 
ment and  ease, 

There  is  no  place  more  in v' ting  than  the  shade  of 
Kentucky's  trees. 

Beneath  which  flourishes  a  grass  of  a  bright  bluish 
green; 

Producing  softest  carpet  that  in  nature's  to  be 
seen; 

Where  the  birds  are  at  home  in  the  boughs  over 
head 


9 


Pouring  their  souls  in  music,  which  silence  man's 

tread,— 

Which  draws  his  admiration  from  the  most  bliss- 
ful scenes  below 
To  connect  his  affections  with  joys  of  perpetual 

flow. 
Among  the  loveliest  flowers  that  bloom  in  valley, 

glen  or  glade ; 
Protected  from  a  vernal  sun,  many  wooing  lovers 

strayed ; 

And  they  speaking  in  love's  softest  lowest  tone, 
Yet,  sweeter  voices  from  blushing  violets  come, — 
To  the  wooing  of  lovers  lend  an  alluring  power 
To  bring  a  confession  of  love  at  an  earlier  hour ; 
And  thus  speed  on  to  an  earlier  end 
Vanity  of  women, — fickleness  of  men. — 
The  bereav'd  may  listen  to  the  dove's  doleful 

songs 

Repeating  the  joys  and  sorrows,  which  life  pro- 
longs ; 

In  notes  inimitable  by  another  voice  or  tongue, 
Either  in  rising  sweetness  or  for  a  more  plaintive 

moan. — 

A  voice,  beyond  doubt,  that  heaven  ever  hears, 
Because  it  speaks  truer  penitence  than  tears. 
In  earth's  wide  domain  there's  no  plain,   valley 

or  hight, 

Which  contrast  more  perfectly  the  beauties  of  light, 
Than  an  exceeding  great  mountain  slope  cloth' d 

in  an  evergreen  robe ; 
Fring'd  above,  carpeted  below  by  the  pure  white 

of  falling  snow : 
One  an  emblem  of  purity ;  other  of  constancy  and 

strength, 
Showing  what  worth  spiritual  power  to  physical 

has  lent ; 

Or  how  this  tenement  of  clay  is  most  beautified 
When  the  mantle  of  wisdom  to  its  purpose  is  plied. 


10 


Yet,  this  contrasting  scene's  rendered  more  excel- 
lent and  bright, 

When  crown'd  by  the  frosty  diadems  of  a  still 
clear  night : 

Like  a  face  beaming  with  the  radiance  of  a  heart's 
delight, 

So  this  scene  smiles  sweetest  while  immerging  from 
the  shades  of  night. 

Bowing  with  reverence  to  the  great  ruler  of  day 

As  he  spans  the  blue  dome  in  his  diurnal  display ; 

By  his  gentle  touch  transforming  the  hoar-frost 
of  former  age ; 

With  equal  kindness  marking  end  of  the  philoso- 
pher and  sage. 

The  sun's  the  great  wonderful  arch  calendar  of 
man; 

To  mark  the  beginning  and  end  of  this  mortal 
strand  — 

Gathering  to  himself  all  influence  of  starry  or 
lunar  light, 

Has  given  seasons  to  mark  the  divisions  of  vege- 
table life; 

Only,  true  history  giving  in  order  epochs  of  time ; 

Showing  how  one  age  would  build  up,  and  another 
would  cast  down ; 

Proving  that  works  of  man  in  disorder  ever  appear, 

But,  he  who  works  as  God  has  order 'd  finds  nothing 

to  fear. 
When  humanity  will  have  filled  its  course ; 

The  burning  sun  to  mortal  sight  be  lost ; 

This  clayey  mould  quickened  to  eternal  life, 

And  clothed  in  a  robe  of  pure  celestial  white ; 

Then  this  mortal  age  from  which  we  all  soon  must 
pass 

'LI  be  less  than  a  night's  watch  in  that  eternal 

last. 

In  life  I  view  for  man  a  happier  lot  than  mor- 
tal tongue  can  tell, 


11 


Whose  mind  is  ruled  by  constant  peace,  that  from 

eternal  truth  hath  fell 
Into  the  heart  that  causes  a  virtuous  stream  to 

incessantly  flow, 
And  water  all  the  heavenly  flowers,  in  human  life 

is  wont  to  grow. 
If  man' 11  cultivate  those  celestial  plants  for  moral 

worth, 
He  will  gather  from  this  life  no  fruit  of  a  common 

birth. 


A  MATRIMONIAL  VIEW 

Madam,  seeing  in  life  you're  young  and  fair, 
Of  temper  most  sweet  and  manner  most  rare ; 
In  knowledge  wise, — understanding  clear — 
So  I  trust  you  will  my  story  hear. 
I'll  speak  what  experience  has  taught,     . 
In  language  quaint  and  by  reason  fraught ; 
But,  not  as  a  gift  of  chance  or  an  idle  thought ; 
But,  to  supply  necessity  the  mind  has  wrought 
Things  most  beautiful  if  finished  by  art  of  school, 
Which  I  have  been  forc'd  to  learn  at  ignorance's 

stool  ; 
Taught  by  the  rough  instructors  of  demand  and 

supply, 

On  invention's  mother,  to  ever  wait  and  rely, 
For  the  ready  reward  of  a  helping  hand 
To  supply  with  ample  gifts  ev'ry  demand. 

Madam,  these  things  you  will  do  well  to  hear, 
Since  they'll  enable  you  to  see  more  clear 
Barriers,  which  in  your  path  must  fall, 
No  matter  how  calm  the  waves  may  roll. 
Now,  if  you  have  a  stronger  hand 
To  guide  you  by  the  broken  strand ; 
Through  the  strait  of  whirling  tides, 
Where  life's  sweetest  gift  e'er  glides 
Into  the  sea  of  calm  repose  ; 
12 


Where  human  bliss  etern'ly  flows : 
You'll  receive  in  nature  greater  share 
Of  the  gifts  she  has  to  offer  there. 

Sir,  while  I  to  you  may  seem  thus  fair 
'Tis  because  you're  old  and  can't  see  clear. 
There  are  no  charms,  Sir,  to  possess, 
Save  such  as  'dorn  the  human  breast. 

I'm  always  ready  to  hear  a  story  told ; 
So  that  it  relates  not  to  the  story  old, 
For  which  Eve's  been  faulted  by  human  kind, 
Because  she  had  in  her  love  grown  blind, 
In  admiration  for  that  manly  form, 
Which  did  Eden's  garden  with  grace  adorn. 

It  is  true,  or  always  so  appear, 
That  women  will  love  what  seems  most  queer — 
So  'twas  with  Eve  in  her  beauty  array, 
That  she  show'd  the  same  weakness  we  display ; 
Then,  such,  I  hope  not  to  endure, 
Less  manly  form  be  godly  pure. 

Your  instructions  're  from  an  instructor  true, 
Who  ever  instructs  from  a  needed  view ; 
To  strenthen  and  help  a  weary  hand, 
That  e'er  seeks  to  know  the  better  plan. 
I  well  know  such  things  are  most  pleasing  to  hear, 
Since  they'n  make  life's  realities  seem  more  dear: 
Then  if  to  ev'ry  step  we  give  a  known  charm, 
As  the  way  brightens  the  heart  will  grow  most 

warm. — 
But,  what  pleasure  to  you  to  gather  the  same 

flower 

Plucked  by  you  in  an  earlier  and  happier  hour? 
I  am  told,  for  pleasures  to  be  true, 
That  they  must  also  be  wholly  new ; 
That  life  will  not  gather  from  abroad 
The  things,  which  it  of  itself  has  throw'd — 
But  will  pursue  its  course  in  a  stronger  road ; 
Just  as  the  human  form  bends  beneath  its  load . 

'Tis  true,  that  under  the  guide  of  a  stronger 
hand 

13 


We  may  be  carried  to  a  purer  happier  land ; 
But,  while,  if  you  from  your  course  turn  back 
It  will  surely  from  your  life  detract 
The  higher,  purer,  sweeter  joy, 
That  thrills  the  heart  without  alloy. 

Madam,  I  have  passed  the  age  of  middle  life ; 

Find  to  be  truly  happy,  must  have  a  wife, 

That  the  cares  and  disappointments,  which  daily 
come, 

Be  absorbed  in  blissful  scenes  of  a  happy  home ; 

Where  the  strength  of  man  may  support  a  lovely 
queen, 

Who  may  rule  a  palace  grand  in  a  garden  green ; 

Direct  gentle  hands  with  a  tender  air 

To  render  the  scene  most  extremely  fair, 

Which  would  be  most  dreary  and  dismally  dark ; 

But,  for  the  peace  and  the  grace  thy  charms  im- 
part. 
Finding  life's  current  to  strong  in  ev'ry  part 

To  stem  its  raging  flood  in  a  half-man'd  bark ; 

So  I  will  ask  you  to  help  me  expel  life's  dark ; 

That,  in  love's  eternal  day,  in  safety's  ark, 

We  may  sail  together  o'er  life's  troubled  waves; 

From  road  of  disappointment  turn  our  ways. 

Sir,  to  have  reciprocated  with  you  in  such  a 

bright  hope, 
I  would  have  delighted,  before  you  pass'd  on  life's 

shady  slope ; 
But,  instead  of  budding  in  love  and  flushing  with 

youth, 
You  are  turning  from  the  page  recording  love's 

sweet  truth, 

To  where  life's  sad  evening  story  is  told 
Of  dead  hopes  buried  in  the  deceit  of  gold. 
What  I  now  live  for  in  your  life  is  past ; 
What  I  delight  in,  from  your  bosom's  cast : 


14 


Unless  we  can  travel  the  same  road  at  the  same 

time  ; 
To  each  other's  pleasures  and  enjoyments  we'll  be 

blind: 

Unless,  in  uni  ted  bliss,  we  enjoy  life's  charm, 
Then  otherwise  a  union    our    pleasures    would 

harm, — 

My  way  of  living  wouldn't  your  course  adorn ; 
And  at  my  pleasures  you  would  cast  a  scorn. 

Madam,  true  'tis  I  have  passed  the  meridian 

of  age, 
While,  in  the  mysteries  of  life,  I  hope  to  grow  more 

sage; 
And  as  the  shadows  of  age,  in  the  distance  may 

fall, 
In  light  of  reason  and  truth,  I  trust  to  grow  more 

tall; 

Till  I  can  look  into  highest  realm  of  man ; 
And  a  God-given  dame  by  my  side  may  stand 
Strong  in  the  pure  deep  bonds  of  God's  own  heart's 

love, 

As  were  Adam  an  Eve  in  mansions  above ; 
And  from  there  look  down  the  dim  years  that  roll 
As  humanity  fades  in  God's  pure  soul. 

Instead  of   passing  from   the  page   recording 

love's  worth 

I  am  engaging  now  in  a  richer,  sweeter  search 
For  pure  principles  of  love,  which  should  engage 
The  true  faculties  of  man  to  calm  his  rage 
In  affections  as  pure ;  as  sweet ;  as  good, 
As  were  first  ordain'd  in  our  love  we  should — 
'Tis  true  that  many    a  desire  for    principles 

free  from  rust 
Have  been  disarmed,  dethron'd  and  defeated  by 

lucrative  lust  ; 

Which  are  not  dead  hopes  buried  in  gold's  deceit, 
But  the  sowers  finding  their  harvest  to  reap ; 
For  as  is  truly  said,  "God  is  not  deceived, " 
But,  kind  of  seed  sow'd,  the  harvest  will  reveal. 
15 


Wheat  will  not  grow  barley,  you  know  of  a  truth ; 
Neither  will  vice  or  folly  virtue  produce — 
Then,  since  the  seed  sow'd  the  harvest  will  rule  ; 
So  life's  principles  do  our  end  control. 

'Tis  also  true  less   we    gather    our    pleasures 

from  same  source, 

That,  otherwise,  a  dissevering  of  hearts  it  will  force ; 
While,  for  two  hearts  to  be  united  in  a  like  pursuit 
They  must  not, over  things  true  to  humanity,  dis- 

'pute; 

But  find  unit'd  bliss  in  a  principle,  which  leads 
From  death's  dark  chasm  to  the  light  of  most  no- 
ble deeds ; 
Where  selfishness  and  sordidness  will  like  fade 

away 

Beforejamore  bouyant  light  of  apureceaselessray— 
Then,  each  of  our  way  of  living  would  others  course 

adorn; 
Nor  in  the  rough  rugged  scenes  of  life  would  we 

grow  forlorn ; 
But  each  give  testimony  to  sweeter  pleasures  in 

truth, 
Than  such  as  add  grace  and  beauty  to  the  blushes 

of  youth. 

vSir,  your  position  in  the  matter  I  most  clearly 

see; 
But,  the  ideal's  e'er  brighter  than  the  real  can 

be.- 

If  life  could  be  as  enchanting  as  you  describe 
Above  the  angels  of  light  we  mortals  would  ride ; 
And  sport  before  God  in  an  elysian  scene ; 
In  a  realm  beyond  where  the  seraphs  have  been  ; 
In  joys  surpassing  the  description  of  tongue ; 
And  pleasures  far  greater  than  angels  have  sung. 
We  poor  mortals  are  not  prepar'd  for  such  bliss, 
Else  we  would  not  be  plac'd  in  a  world  like  this ; 
Where  every  one  would  be  the  judge  of  his  foe, — 
Justify  his  friend  in  foulest  sin — deepest  woe, — 
16 


Say  there  is  no  good,  save  such  as  we  give 
To  our  friends  in  the  deceit  that  we  live. 

Love's  course  you  know  is  a  bewildering  way, 
Destin'd  to  allure  and  lead  all  mortals  'stray ; 
From  all  principles  of  reason  to  lament  and  sigh ; 
Without  reality  of  pleasure  in  life  to  try. 
For  you  know  it  is  taught  the  object  of  our  love  to 

gain 
Is  the  towering  hight  of  each  and  ev'ry  human 

plain ; 

Where  sets  a  decaying  hope  to  eternally  wain, 
Just  as  ev'ry  monument  erect Jd  to  worldly  fame, 
Is  mark'd  by  time  when  to  totter  and  fall ; 
So  vain  things  have  timely  destiny — all. 
'Tis  also  said  that  affections  will  waste 
In  each  admiring  glance  for  any  fair  face, — 
That  he,  who's  fancied  many,  can  really  love  none ; 
Since  the  life  of  his  affections  is  wholly  undone. 
Principle  like  that,  when  scatter'd,  is  as  a  broken 

urn, 

Eternally  fixed  without  hope  or  promise  of  return ; 
Or  as  a  stream  flows  by  singing  one  sweet  song, 
Which' s  carried  as  an  echo  in  life  so  long ; 
So's  a  fair  face  that  takes  from  our  affections  one 

touch, — 
It  has  robb'd  the  true  strength  of  that  principle 

so  much. 

Madam,  real'ties  of  life  are  far  greater  than  we 

can  suppose ; 
The  ideal  is  only  a  shadowing  to  him  who  best 

knows 
The   rewards  of  living   by   pure    principles   of 

love, — guided  by  truth, 

Which's  a  perpetual  growing  into  grander  myster- 
ies of  youth; 

While  the  close  of  this  life  will  bring  us  in  sight 
Of  a  brighter,  grander,  sweeter,  purer  light : 
Our  souls  be  set  in  the  purest  plight, — 

17 


On  pinnions  of  love  to  wing  their  flight, 
Through  purer  worlds  of  joy's  unbound  ing  way ; 
Life  grows  sweeter  as  brighter  grows  the  day. 
If  our  souls  be  set  on  fire  by  God's  pure  love 
'Twill  folly,  deceit  and  corruption  remove ; 
Just  as  the  refining  of  gold  destroys  the  dross  ; 
And  separates  the  pure  metal  from  out  the  gross. 
If  we  accept  pure  essence  of  truth  as  light  of  the 

soul, 
Our  lives  will  shine  like  apples  of  silver  set  in  pure 

gold, 
To  give  light  to  all  those  who  are  walking  in  the 

dark; 

Prosecuting  in  ignorance  an  uncertain  work ; 
Purporting,  in  life,  to  be  work  of  the  man, 
Who  has  not  felt  the  touch  of  a  ruling  hand 
vSupremely  fitted  by  that  all  guiding  mind 
To  lead  through  the  boundless  age  of    endless 

time. — 

Most  glorious  scenes,—  over  fields  of  golden  sand 
And  wash'd  by  pure  streams  of  light  extremely 

bland. 

Love,  without  virtue,  purity  and  truth  to  guide, 
Will  e'er  cause  humanity  to  falter  and  slide 
Into  chasms  that  be  most  dark  and  deep ; 
In  death's  deepest  gloom  to  ever  weep 
And  sigh  for  death,  with  her  promised  boon, 
To  come  and  hurry  to  ceaseless  doom ; 
Where  life  has  no  further  joys  or  pains  to  give,— 
Life  shall  cease  to  be,  or  mortals  ne'er  again  live — 
In  death  be  etern'ly  dying  and  sinking  in  woe  ; 
And  while  age  rolls  on  such  agonies  deeper  grow. 
While  love  in  its  purity  has  the  sweetest  clime 
For  mortals  to  etern'ly  rise  through  ceaseless  time, 
In  worlds  of  bliss'  highest  dazzling  charms, — 
Free  on  life's  bosom  from  raging  storms ; 
To  move  onward  and  upward  in  love's  eternal 

peace; 
Where  sighing  and  where  sorrowing  will  forever 

cease : 

18 


Into  higher  joys  life  will  ceaselessly  roll 

Onward  through  the  mansions  of  love's  cherished 

goal,— 

Where  all  things  calm  in  one  perfect  tnith — 
Of  love's  lasting  virtue — God's  own  youth. 

It  is  true  that  affections  may  vanish  in  waste 
When  they  do  not  the  real 'ties  of  life  embrace ; 
For  all  that  be  not,  by  a  true  anchor  of  hope, 
Stay 'd  within  the  bosom  of  virtues  bounding  scope, 
Must  pass  into  the  realm  of  forgetfulness  to  dwell — 
And  roll  on  with  a  sigh, —  without  a  lasting  fare- 
well— 

Into  the  home  of  deceit,  where  held  at  its  worth 
By    the   devel's    foulest    mist'ries, —  in  deepest 

search,— 

For  the  most  dreaded  weapon  of  hell  to  disown ; 
Thing  to  herself  for'er  and  lastingly  unknown : 
Or  in  hell  search  after  the  thing  deepest  in  waste ; 
To  the  devil  offer  thing  bitterest  of  taste, 
It  will  be  the  thing  in  time,  having  no  purpose  to 

.  give ; 

Or  in  ages  unbounded  exist  with  no  life  to  live, — 
In  days  unending  having  nothing  to  know, 
Since  out  of  nothing,  what  can,  but  nothing  grow  ? 
Then,  since  deceit  be  the  chief  of  hell's  ways 
To  bring  her  miseries  unending  days; 
So  affections  in  truth  will  e'er  augment 
Through  gathering  ages  of  joy  unspent,— 
Into  a  bright'ning  day  of  purest  light,— 
Further  being  remov'd  from  woes  of  night ; 
Till  mortals  forget  sorrow  e'er  had  reign ; 
Or  man  in  his  age  had  ever  a  pain : 
Nor  shall  we  never  look  back  to  see  what  has  been, 
But  ever  look  forward  through  a  brightening  scene 
To  enjoy,  through  days  infinite  and  unspeakably 

grand, 

The  golden  pleasures  leading  over  heaven's  peace- 
ful strand ; 

Laden  with  fragrance  embalming  into  heaven's 
light 

19 


The  obedient  soul,  which  ascends,  in  silent  flight, 

Affection's   bright,    and    alluring,   and  towering 
hope,— 

In  love's  tender  influence  to  be  willingly  lost. 
There  is  a  fault  in  love  to  be  found  invariably 
such, 

That  love,  beyond  merit  of  principle,  finds  no 
heart  to  touch ; 

But,  perish  in  a  sad  refrain,  since  no  bonds  declare 

Of  love  with  principles  that  ne'  er  did  existence  wear. 

For  love  to  be  true  virtue,  a  guiding  star,  must 
surely  stand 

As  a  sun  holding  two  planets  by  affection's  strong- 
est band, — 

Wrought  by  love's  tenderest  influence, —  nature's 
most  lasting  power, — 

Which's  foundation  and  structure  of  humanity's 

greates  tower. 
If  life  becomes  love  for  virtue's  pure  sake 

'Twill  ev'ry  faculty  of  truth  awake 

To  the  real  and  progressive  scenes  of  life, — 

As  a  gathering  influence  free  from  strife ; 

Hoarding  the  mercantile  products  of  life  in  boun- 
teous store, 

To  deal  with  a  charitable  hand  to  the  needs  of  the 
poor; 

For  what  is  paid  by  charity,  with  respect  to  God's 
love, 

Is  restored  most  bounteful  in  peace  by  the  white 

wing'd  dove. 

I  have  long  felt  in  life  a  void  that  I  trusted  time 
would    supply, — 

Long,  but  in  vain,  I  have  tried  that  tender  influence 
to  defy, — 

The  stronger  I  resist,  of  its  worth  I  am  more  con- 
sciously taught, — 

Without  which  the  beauties  and  splendor  of  life 
will  pass  into  naught. 


20 


In  life  there's  a  ne'er  dying  union  to  be  misteri- 

ously  wrought 
From  the  delicate  love  of  women  and  masculine 

features  more  rough, 
Which  perpetuates  life  in  the  fairest  principles  of 

youth  ; 
Establishing  life  in  the  lasting  unerring  joys  of 

truth: 
That  institution  of  Eden,  that  from  earth  hath 

not  yet  fled ; 
But,  the  purity  of  life  neglected  and  its  beauty 

dead, — 
In  our  hearts,  it  seems  to  me,  we  can  that  Eden 

again  revive  ; 
Rest  within  that  ancient  bower  of  love,  where  all 

such  beauties  thrive, 
Which  produce  rich  fruits  of  peace;  the  fairest 

wealth  of  earthly  store, 

Carrying  with  it  the  brightest  gems  of  Eden's  an- 
cient lore. 

Sir,  love  to  be  appreciat'd  must  surely  be  known 
With  respect  to  the  element  from  which  it  has  grown  ; 
Under  beauty  and  luster  spreading  profus'dly 

round, 

From  the  jewel-pressed  brow,  which  is  with  ele- 
gance crowned 

By  rubies  of  purest  light  gath'ring  true  renown ; 
Which  in  search  of  intellect's  fairest  gem  was  found 
Set  in  the  heart  of  nature's  purest  gold, 
Which  ever  the  merits  of  truth  unfold ; 
As  a  never  fading  light  to  sink  in  the  west 
From  the  pallatial  scenes  of  the  home  it'd  blest, — 
But  still  be  the  light  mortal  sos  to  guide 
O'er  death's  yawning  gulf  gainst  its  rushing  tide ; 
While  truth  does  the  disasters  of  folly  deride ; 
As  it  hurries  unmolest'd  in  admiring  pride ; 
Where  sets  the  lasting  ruby  of  life 
In  the  purest  depths  of  spotless  white. 

21 


Love  you  know  is  the  tenderest   part  of  the 

spirit  and  soul, — 
'Tis  life's  golden  property  perfecting  two  hearts 

as  of  old. 

When  they  were  but  one  in  Adam,  the  man, 
Love  was  pure  and  perfect  in  sweetest  plan ; 
Possessing  all  the  tender  faculties  of  the  human 

race; 
All  the  holy  principles  of  virtue  did  that  heart 

embrace, — 

All  that  be  pure  in  feminine  affection  and  mascu- 
line life 
Were  wrought  into  love  and  made  a  perfect  power 

and  lasting  light. 
Then,  what  is  holy  and  true  in  one  is  perfect  to 

the  other ; 
So  love  embraces  affections  of  parent,  sister  and 

brother : 
But,  when  all  that  is  truly  feminine  was  to  itself 

made  a  part 
It  carried  with  it  the  influence  that  controls  and 

refines  man's  heart. 

Man  solicits  his  ideal  of  beauty,  love  and  art 
To  supply  that  void  and  be  in  his  life  that  better 

part. 

In  woman's  heart  and  mind  there  is  ever  dwell- 
ing, so  sweet  and  still, 
A  desire  to  resume  that  place  she'n  so  well  and 

fittingly  fill. 
In  man,  at  fourteen  some  faculties  mature,  of  that 

void's  conciously  told ; 
And  to  supply  and  to  please  the  soul,  he  seeks  that 

vacated  gem  of  old : 
Woman  at  twelve,  somewhat  confident  she  can 

that  void  supply ; 
Listens  with  patience  to  the  strange  story,  with  a 

heaving  sigh ; 
When  told  that  she  is  all  for  which  man's  heart 

doth  yearn,— 

22 


Without  her  his  life  will  languish,  grow  cold  and 

stern, — 

She  being  thus  solicited,  that  vacancy  to  supply, 
With  a  faithful  heart  and  in  tender  words  answers, 

I  will  try ; 

If  it  be  to  form  a  union,  such  as  in  Eden's  bliss, 
Gave  refinement  and  social  pleasure  to  a  life  like 

this; 

Such  as  God  approved  and  delighted  to  see 
Before  mortals  tast'd  fruit  of  forbidden  tree ; 
But,  not  such  as  infest' d  soul  and  mind, 
Since  contention  they  were  bent  to  find ; 
To  disturb  the  peace  of  man,  and  provoke  the 

wrath  of  God 

By  accepting  as  life's  realities,  a  falt'ring  love, 
Instead  of  such  love  as  join'd  their  hearts  and 

lives 

In  union  acceptable  to  One  most  wise ; 
Such  as  freed  from  jealous  rage  and  bitter  tears ; 
Keeping  pure  the  heart  and  soul  through  length  of 

years,— 

If  your  intention  be  to  enter  that  blissful  state, 
Then,  both  in  heart  and  hand,  let  our  lives  be 

joined  by  faith; 
And  if  we  fail  to  find  truth  sufficient  to  restore 

that  ideal  bliss, 
May  we  be  happy,  as  were  Isaac  and  Rebecca,  in 

life  like  this. 

Madam,  true  'tis  we  should  know  the  source 

from  whence  our  affections  rise ; 
That  source  should  be  such  that  we  could  in  no 

way  justly  despise ; 
But,  so  pure  that  our  love  would  ever  more  richly 

increase ; 
Thus  ever  making  life  a  current  of  augmenting 

peace 
Flowing  qui'tly  to  that  great  calm  ocean  of  endless 

years 

23 


Filled  with  essence  of  pleasures  most  pure, —  un- 
mingled  with  tears, — 

The  true  splendor  of  the  home,  but  so  infrequently 
there, 

That  in  the  family  circle  it  has  no  place  or  share. 

Love  should  have  an  altar  from  whence  in  union 
our  hearts  could  rise 

To  mingle  in  such  pleasures  as  have  their  rest  be- 
yond the  skies ; 

Where  angel's  fond  hearts  commingle  in  pure 
essence  of  love 

With  hearts  and  with  lives  more  constant  and 

more  true  than  the  widowed  dove. 
Since  beauty  and  purity  of  thy  life  in  words  are 
known ; 

I  wish  to  know  the  social  commerce  of  thy  parents' 
home: 

And  there  see  you,  a  fostered  plant  of  domestic 
care, 

Who  the  pure  elegance  of  social  refinement  wear ; 

Where  the  grandeur  of  religion  must  smile  most 
pure  and  sweet ; 

Where  elegance,  grandeur  and  purity  in  union 
meet 

To  set  thy  home  above  the  course  of  unholy  things ; 

Where  wealth  of  celestial  beauty  eternally  clings,— 

Which  robes  the  mind  with  magnificence  of  per- 
petual peace ; 

Where  domes  of  immaculate  beauty,  to  rise,  will 

never  cease. 

A  caller  at  thy  home  it  would  much  delight  me  to 
be  found, 

Where  such  grandeur  and  elegance  of  life  do  most 
richly  bound ; 

And  on  Thursday  next,  if  you  will  grant  this  re- 
quest, 

In  thy  tranquil  home,  I  trust  to  serenely  rest. 

Sir,  your  letter,  mingling  pleasure  and  surprise, 
24 


Has  just  this  moment  been  opened  to  my  eyes ; 
And,  of  purest  grandeur,  it  seems  so  rich  and  full, 
That  the  elegance  of  heaven  doth  downward  pull. 
And  for  you  to  call  at  our  home  of  simplicity  and 

ease, 
On  Thursday  next,  my  parents  permit  and  me 

'twill  truly  please  . 

Her  letter  com  posed,  with  befitting  modest,  gave 

to  post- 
To  make  her  home  glow  with  artless  attraction, 

no  time  she  lost. 

When  the  expected  visitor,  on  that  morning,  ap- 
peared 
Pure  magnificence  shown,  but  artless  as  song  of  a 

bird. 

Sir,  with  my  father  you,  I  will  acquainted  make. 
Sir,  much  respect  awaits  you  for  my  daughter's 

sake. 

Not  a  more  desirable  gift,  Sir,  you  have  to  give, 
Sir,  to  pay  her  highest  honors,  I  shall  ever  live. 
My  mother,  Sir,  the  splendor  of  this  home,  you 

now  may  greet ; 

Grace,  grandeur  and  elegance  in  her  life  with  con- 
cord meet. 
Madam,  for  you,  this  fills  my  heart  with  respect 

most  pure ; 

To  doubt  woman's  majesty,  be  this  a  perfect  cure". 
To  know  you,  Sir,  I'm  pleased,  here  a  true  wel- 
come you  shall  find 

Befitting  your  dignity  of  soul ;  supremacy  of  mind. 
Thy  home  is  bless'd  with  all  that's  good ;  no 

superfluities  are  here ; 
Purity,  the  intrinsic  beauty  of  all,  here  is  shown 

most  clear. 
Beauty  lavishly  spread,  to  satiate  unlawful  lust 

and  pride, 

Becomes  a  hurtful  curse — scatters  the  true  wealth 
of  life  far  and  wide. 

25 


With  true  economy  and  useful  science,  thy  home 
is  dressed  ; 

No   luxur'us   pomp  or  volupt'ous   habit  claims 
sweets  of  rest : 

The  just  demands  of  life,  with  purest  wealth,  are 
supplied  most  true ; 

O,  bless'd  earth,  to  feed  unnatural  want,  nothing 
cumbers  you. 

The  needs  of  the  poor  are  drafts  ever  honor 'd  by 
charity ; 

To  the  poor  all  is  loan'd  with  God's  promise  for 
security. 

To  supply  God  opens  nature's  universal  store ; 

And  here  her  ceaseless  wealth  and  eternal  beauty 

pour. 
To  leave  the  city  built  on  pole  of  land  hemisphere, 

The  center  of  wealth  and  commerce,  what  attrac- 
tion here  ? 

To  see  a  home  restor'd  to  the  ancient  purity  of 
human  bliss 

Is  far  more  alluring  than  the  affluence  of  many 
worlds  like  this. 

Before  leaving  England's  pride,  her  shining  domes 
I  stopp'd  to  view ; 

Saw  the  broad  avenues  of  commerce  fill'd  with  a 
thronging  crew ; 

No  respect  or  honor  was  shown  humanity  true, 

But  to  luxur'us  wealth  and  pomp  seem'd  all  honor 
due. 

On  the  overhanging  cloud  plaid  the  morning's 
ancient  hue  ; 

Unfaded  beauties  of  the  sun  showed  in  the  spark- 
ling dew  ; 

But,  the  splendor  of  London  is  not  so  perpetual 
and  pure, — 

England's  glory  is  evanescent ;  her  vitals  are  wast- 
ing sure. 

The  pendent  boughs  to  summer  breeze,  most  audi- 
bly seem  to  say, 

26 


England  has  reached  her  zenith  and  now  is  fast 

fading  away. 

Ten  centuries  from  now,  we  know  not  what  re- 
cord this  nation'll  bear — 
What  of  great  Babylon, —  which  was  seated — we 

can  never  know  where  ? 

Upon  the  great  Euphrates,  she  sat,  and  her  com- 
merce did  play 
On      the    great   deep,— gath' ring  wealth    from 

nations  in  distance  'way : 
Over  her  the  sun,  in  his  ancient  majesty,  moved 

unchanged ; 
Beneath  her  that  noble  river  roll'd  in  grandeur  to 

the  main : 
But,  now  her  place  is  fore'er  lost;  her  influence 

most  vain ; 
And  that  proud  daughter  of  the  Chaldees  lives  but 

in  a  name. 
Of  thee,  somber  forest,  once  covering  this  fairest 

isle  from  sea  to  sea,— 
Making  a  trackless  solitude,  this  noble  oak's  a  sad 

relic  of  thee  ; 
And  not  unlike  thee,  O  oak,  most  stately,  grand 

and  noble  tree ; 
(Whereon  the  bird  of  supremacy  has  set  his  prey 

to  see), 

Is  this  home,  a  fragment  from  that  state  of  felicity,  — 
(Which  was  wasted  by  allurements  of  the  forbid- 
den tree) ; 
Where  rest  the  more  glorious  emblem,  that  of 

purity. 
Ye  parents  of  this   damsel   dear,    my   mission 

here  shall  know; 
While  in  this  calm  serene,  life's  meditated  joys 

shall  flow. 
As  it  is  plain  to  see  my  years  are  more  than  fancy 

loves ; 
But,  congenial  souls  contagious  fire  more  often 

moves 

27 


To  commingle  in  higher  realms  of  peace  and  light ; 
In  truth  and  reason  free  from  fancy's  shades  of 

night, 

Than  they  who  are  by  lust  and  admiration  led 
To  revel  in  the  pleasures  of  the  marriage  bed. 
Your  daughter  and  I  are  drawn  by  truth's  mag- 
netic force 

To  unity  of  life  in  reason's  deep  tranquil  source ; 
Such  we  believe  is  love,   and  only  such  should 

wed 
As  have  been  led  by  truth  to  that  great  fountain 

head — 

And  by  contagion  of  that  pure  celestial  fire, 
Their  hearts  and  souls  been  purged  to  life's  most 

pure  desire : 

Now,  this  we  make  the  condition  of  our  future  life, 
And  'tis  for  you  to  say  whether  we  have  judged 

aright. 
The  character  portrai'd  by  your  letters  we've 

consider 'd  well ; 
Yet,  your  address  in  person  a  purer  stream  of  life 

doth  swell. 
This  home's  of  that  same  birth,  but  not  in  such 

depth  of  soil  fixed ; 

It  is  of  a  pure  growth  ;with  no  adulteration  mixed, 
But,  can  never  tower  in  those  celestial  fields 
Where  the  tree  of  life  such  wonderful  fruitage 

yields. 
My  daughter,  Sir,  in  marriage,  you  may  truly 

claim 

To  journey  with  you  over  fields  of  greater  fame — 
More  perfect  scenes,  our  hearts  with  you  will  pon- 
der o'er, 

And  live  in  realms  of  light  of  pure  eternal  lore. 
Your  hopes,  which  carry  you  with  us  through 

such  realms  of  bliss ; 
Strong  must  be  to  surpass  colloquial  scenes  like 

this, 


28 


Which  can  only  be  by  passing  into  God's  eternal 

peace ; 
Where  purer  richer  scenes  of  life  can  never  have 

end  or  cease. 
Then  let  the  priest  come  forth— testimony  of 

these  hearts  receive ; 
And  pray  heaven  that  for  wrongs  intended  these 

souls  may  never  grieve. 
By  the  faith  here  plighted  and  testimonies  of 

this  life, 
In  holy  bonds  of  wedlock,  I  pronounce  you  man 

and  wife. 

I  do  here  certify  that  time  itself  can  ne'er  erase 
The  vow  here  made;  principles  and  gem  these 

hearts  embrace. 
But,  shall  stand  before  the  Father  through  the 

eternal  age, — 
The  elegance  of  life,  or  just  cause  of  the  deepest 

rage. 
Such  pure  deep  and  perfect  joys  life  hath  never 

wore; 

Heaven  seems  more  embracing  than  ever  before : 
In  my  heart  it  seems  that  Flora  has  pour'd  all  her 

tender  wealth ; 
And  more  grandeur  and  elegance  of  life,  no  soul 

hath  e'er  felt. 

I/ife  is  now  replete,  what  is  there  that  can  embel- 
lish more  ? 
Of  all  most  refining,  it  needs  but  in  the  heart  to 

pour. 
This  life  I  so  embellish,  I  will  love  and  cherish 

ever; 
In  Christ  be  so  united  that  death  itself  cannot 

sever ; 

Through  Christ  flow  into  that  most  noble  and  ma- 
jestic life, 
That  bears  no  mark  of  toil, — etern'ly  free  from 

woe  and  strife. 


29 


THE  BEAUTIES  AND  POWERS  THAT  BE. 

There's  a  way  to  the  plain  of  fame  unknown, 
That  way  is  not  dotted  by  blood  or  stone ; 
But,  clear  to  the  knowledge  of  One  who  tnade 
The  wild  mountain  rose  to  nod  in  the  shade ; 
Perfect  to  Him  who  by  his  wisdom  profound 
Created  the  pure  lily  from  dust  of  ground. 
That  road  is  wonderfully  narrow  and  bright ; 
Illuminat'd  by  pure  elements  of  light  ; 
Paved  by  principles  most  perfect  and  true; 
The  way  it  leads  is  pleasant  to  pursue  — 
And  if  you  give  attention  to  the  things  by  the  way 
You  will  see  and  hear  the  beauties  which  wisdom 

display ; 

The  things  which  you  hear  and  see  to  bid  adieu 
Will  tempt  you  to  linger  for  a  longer  view  — 
Don't  stay,  there  are  brighter  things  to  engage  the 

sight 
Than  the  mere  beams  in  which  fancy  finds  its 

delight; 

Things  so  perfect  and  wonderfully  true 
That  they  dazzle  the  mind  as  well  the  view. 
When  you  have  reached  that  plain  by  the  path 

of  the  just, 
Your  foot  prints  '11  not  be  traceable  in  mud  or 

dust; 

But  found  in  accordance  with  principles  that  laid 
Foundation  of  earth  and  by  which  heaven  was 

made, 

And  in  nowise  contrary  to  principles  that  create 
The  smallest  plant;  the  most  stupendous  weight 

hold  in  space. 

On  that  plain  are  things  you  should  behold, 
For  the  same  things  are  both  new  and  old  — 
Ancient  in  having  their  beginning  with  good ; 
New,  since  not  before  seen,  or  they  understood. 
Things  which  need  not  polish  to  keep  ever  shining 

and  new; 

30 


That  need  not  remod'ling  to  keep  perfect  with  all 

things  true. 
These  things  are  perfect  principles, — most  delicious 

food  for  the  soul, 
Which  causes  man  to  seek  the  true  riches  more 

pure  and  precious  than  gold. 
Introduction  of  these  elements  to  the  mind  brings 

eve  to  that  night, 
Which  keeps  closed  the  portals  of  soul  through 

which  comes  the  emission  of  light; 
And  not  unlike  the  time  when  God's  command 

was,   "  Let  there  be  light," 
Which  wrought  destruction  to  obscurity  —  was 

morning  of  sight. 
Here  set  the  seven  pillars  which  wisdom  has 

well  hewn; 
Their  depth  of  foundation,  no  human  mind  can 

presume ; 
These  pillars  are  not  carved  from  stone  or  from 

wood, 

But  from  power  that  sent  and  abat'd  the  flood ; 
The  work  was  not  performed  by  hand  weak  or 

frail; 

Or  devised  by  a  mind  that  doubts  such  a  tale, 
But  wrought  by  Him  who  collected  all  solids  into 

mass ; 

And  separated  each  fluid  according  to  its  class ; 
Decreeing  that  by  the  union  of  elements  of  fluids 

with  the  earth, 
If  connected  with  other  influences  would  produce 

vegetable  birth  — 
From  perfect  knowledge  and  equal  power  these 

pillars  came ; 
And  on  this  foundation's  erected  the  temple  of 

,     fame. 
Just  how  the  materials  of  the  pillars  and  temple 

unite  and  blend 
Cannot  be  detected  by  human  sight  or  understood 

by  carnal  mind, 

31 


But,  the  beginning  and  ending  is  there  made  plain 

To  him  who  will  accept  of  the  Almighty's  plan. 
These  works  are  His,  whose  works  alone  are 
perfect  and  true ; 

But  cannot  be  comprehended  from  a  worldly  view. 

The  walls  are  of  stone  most  precious  and  bright, 

Of  equal  width,  of  exact  weight  and  height; 

Placed  in  exact  relation  with  regard  to  their  con- 
nection with  light, 

That  the  coloring  and  reflection  of  each  render 
others  more  bright: 

These  walls  are  most  beautiful  and  pleasing  to 
sight, 

When  eliminated  from  influences  of  night. 
The  temple  is  paved  with    purest  gold  more 
transparent  and  lucid  than  glass, 

Which  obstructs  not  light's  passage,  but  enabling 
each  in  beauty  to  surpass 

Their  individual   splendor ;   like   flowers   sweeter 
than  the  petals  cast; 

Which  blending  with  purest  colors,  grander  beauty 
each  blending  brings  to  pass; 

While  augmenting  in  beauty  ever  growing  purer 
and  more  sublime; 

Rising  in  richer  domes  of  grandeur,  rivaling  never 
ending  time. 

The  light  doth  purity  of  each  color  more  perfectly 
display ; 

While  the  glittering  of  such  beauty  helps  in  per- 
fecting the  day: 

The  relation  of  each  to  the  whole  is  an  indispens- 
able thing, 

For  the  influence  of  such  connecting  beauty  per- 
fection doth  bring. 

To  shelter  this  temple,  there  is  needed  no  roof; 

There's  nothing  higher,  nor  anything  more  aloof, 

Except  the  great  Artificer  whose  principles  shine 
on  all  things  below; 


32 


Thus  bring  to  naught  the  vanity  of  pride  and  the 

world's  vain  hope  in  show ; 
For  by  Him  things  're  brought  to  a  reckoning 

exactly  as  they  are ; 
And  thus  we  find  that  to  act  in  the  true  light  is 

better  by  far. 

If  we  stand  before  the  world  and  God  as  we  be ; 
Act  regarding  all  things  by  the  truth  that  we  see ; 
Do  not  despise  work  of  the  hand  that  did  us  create ; 
And  gave  a  mind  to  find  how  we  to  all  things  re- 
late— 
And  if  from  pure  love  of  obedience  to  right,  that 

relation,  we  keep, 
The  loveliness  of  that  temple,  we  may  behold,  and 

in  it  have  a  seat. 
All  who  live  in  deceit ;  and  in  falsehood ;  and  in 

doubt ;  and  thus  grow  vain, 
Had  better,  from  ent'ring  that  temple,  or  seeking 

its  beauty,  refrain — 
Unless  they  will  live  and  walk  in  the  light  of 

beauty,  which  it  doth  reflect, 
Otherwise,  happiness  and  pleasure  would  be  a 

crime  longer  to  expect: 
Then  let  us  no  longer  hope  that  our  crimes  are 

buried  from  sight ; 
But  know,  for  certainty,  that  we're  to  be  tested 

by  true  light. 

In  the  center  of  the  temple  is  situated  the  throne, 
On  which  sits  the  One  whose  beginning  and  ending 

cannot  come ; 

In  whom  all  principles  are  perfect,  which  perfec- 
tion true  power  doth  lend 
To  give  exact  weight  to  all  acts  of  man  —  by  his 

acts  establish  his  end : 
If  man's  end  be  established  by  the  works  of  his 

hand, 
And  that  end  be  destruction,  he  can  blame  no  one 

but  man; 


33 


Or,  if  man's  acts  in  the  scale  of  justice  be  heaviest 

for  good 
He  has  no  one  to  thank  for  that  blessing  save  the 

Almighty  God : 
Because  he  was  right  in  taking  to  himself  all 

principles  of  good; 
Relating  them  so  perfectly  as  to  make  their  chief 

influence  love ; 
Wise  in  rejecting  the  dark  and  his   principles 

wrought  into  perfect  light, 
That  darkness  and  its  influence  might  be  expelled 

from  obstruction  of  sight, — 
For,  if  the  principles  of  good  and  evil  had  not  been 

set  apart, 

And  thus  show  that  influence  of  light  is  destruc- 
tive to  that  of  dark, 
Man  could  have  never  known  the  sorrows  evil  doth 

bring, 
Or  the  joys  that  to  the  path  of  the  righteous  doth 

cling; 
The  world  would  have  been  without  pleasure  and 

joy,  the  just  a  reward ; 
The  transgressor,  in  the  evil  of  his  way,  would 

not  have  grown  tired : 
Man  would  've  been  related  to  himself  and  the 

confusion  of  things ; 
Empires  would've  been  built  on  the  destruction 

of  people  and  kings ; 
Regard  for  human  life  and  happiness  would've 

been  the  least  of  things  that  be, 
Since  destruction  of  happiness  would  render  the 

gath'ring  of  gold  more  free ; 
The  sight  of  all  high  principles  would '  ve  been  lost 

in  the  selfishness  of  man ; 
Desolation  and  heaping  of  riches  been  only  virtues 

of  the  land. 
By  collecting  all  the  elements  of  light  into  one 

cardinal  good ; 


34 


Thus  making  the  relation  of  all  things  to  that 

principle  understood, 
Has  caused  man  to  turn  from  the  mist  of  the  shade 

of  the  realm  of  night 
And  journey  to  that  land  which  is  most  beautiful 

to  perfect  sight; 
There  to  seek  a  home  by  accepting  the  wisdom 

and  ways  of  God, 
Who  properly  relating  all,  established  universal 

good. 
The  throne  on  which  the  Almighty  doth  sit  is 

a  structure  most  wonderful ; 
If,  to  all  things  create  compared, — of  material 

found  most  beautiful ; 
The  workmanship  by  which  it  was  wrought   is 

without  imperfection  or  dot  ; 
Nor  could  there  be  other   beauty  or  perfection 

create  that  it  hath  not  — 
The  material  from  which  this  throne  is  made,  in 

perfection  so  great, 
Has  even  puzzled  the  ministers,  and  those  who  are 

enthron'd  in  state  ; 
And  these  men  have  wondered  how  such  a  thing 

can  be, 
So  great  that  their  minds  can't  conceive,  or  optics 

see: 
Now  the  reason  is  this,  their  eyes  are  train'd  to 

seek  for  the  glitter  of  gold; 
Their  hearts  forc'd  to  believe,  any  means  employ 'd 

to  possess  hurt  not  the  soul ; 
So  by  forcing    their  hearts  to  accept  a  thing  so 

absolutely  untrue 
They  rob  the  soul  of  greatest  joy ;  the  intellect  of 

more  glorious  view. 

The  material  of  the  throne  is  principles  of  [perfec- 
tion and  truth ; 
Enamel'd  and  ennobled  by  light  far  greater  and 

more  splendid  than  youth. 


35 


The  Architect's  plan's  such  that  these  principles 

to  each  other  so  relate 
That  the  influence  and  splendor  of  either  make  the 

others  far  more  great  ; 
The  influence  which  each  to  others  lend  is  so 

acceptable  and  good, 

That  materials  are  cemented  perfectly  by  uni- 
versal love. 
These  principles  are  made  more  perfect  in  Him, 

who  is  seated  on  the  throne; 
With  higher  elements  and  virtues  united,  reach 

perfections  unknown : 

On  the  throne  of  these  principles,  He  sits  in  ma- 
jestic power  sublime  ; 
And  gathering  to  himself  the  control  of  all  things 

by  knowledge  divine ; 
Nor  has  he  enter'd  in  league  with  another  being 

to  gather  such  rule ; 
To  the  perfection  of  His  power  and  system  of 

laws  belong  control. 
In  that  temple's  an  apartment  for  ev'ry  one 

whose  heart  is  not  sold 

To  vanity,  the  lust  of  the  world,  or  for  the  influ- 
ence of  gold ; 
Fitted  with  a  relief  for  ev'ry  desire  that  can 

come, 
Or  rightly  have  claim  to  a  place  in  the  soul's 

bright  home. 
Before  entering  that  abode,  must  be  purged  by 

perfection  of  truth ; 
Be  freed  from  ev'ry  thing  not  in  accordance  with 

perpetual  youth; 
Be  renew' d  to  those  pristine  beauties  of  love  for 

true  hope  and  desire, 
Which  finds  its  delight  in  bathing  the  soul  in  light 

of  celestial  fire  ; 
And  unlike  Adam,  when  to  that  blissful  abode 

retire ; 


36 


Be  purged  from  worldly  lust,  lucrative  and  human 

desire ; 
Be  filled  with  principles,  which  've  ever  been  free 

from  corruptable  dross ; 

Be  renew' d  to  that  state,  which,  through  tempta- 
tion to  humanity,  was  lost; 
And  Adam  from  there  scourged  and  driven  because 

of  a  desire  to  seek, 
With  insatiable  lust,  things  in  Paradise  unlawful 

to  seek. 
Because  of  human  weakness,  supported  by  fire  of 

youthful  lust 

Man  became  a  pilgrim  in  search  of  the  way  re- 
turning to  dust ; 
And  would  not  be  forc'd  or  pursuaded  by  the 

knowledge  of  Him  who  could  show 
Imperfections  practiced  on  this  mundane  sphere 

circling  in  distance  below ; 
Or  that  perpetual  existence  in  purest  youth,  and 

vigor,  and  prime 

Would  be  his  to  enjoy  through  unending  and  un- 
erring cycles  of  time, 
If  he  would  that  destructive  and  useless  desire 

by  heart  and  mind  reject  ; 
That  perpetual  and  ceaseless  joy,  which  ever  flow, 

in  true  faith  accept. 
Man's  inconsistency,  refusing  God's  power  to 

accept  or  believe  ; 
In  search  of  the  visionary  imperfections  of  human 

thought  did  leave 
Eternal  bliss;  stepping  forth  on  this  terrestrial 

ball  with  Eve  his  wife 
To  whom  he  join'd  his  every  hope,  and  for  whom 

resigned  his  fear  of  strife ; 
But  soon  found  as  we  all  do  find,  that  the  income 

of  our  hopes  and  fears, 
When  vested  in  a  like  union,  can  only  be  but 

sweat  and  tears. 


37 


Seeing  it  vain  searching  self  for  influence  to  con- 
trol an  element ; 
Or  to  unfold  beauties  and  mysteries  of  nature 

was  uselessly  spent ; 
He  begins  to  seek  for  a  plan  by  which  he  can  the 

course  of  life  beguile 
Into  acceptance  of  laws  contrary  to  nature  and  be 

reconciled : 
But,  in  such  an  attempt  to  reconcile  nature  he 

could  only  find 
That  things  only  could  be  untied,  which  nature 

to  like  laws  consigned. 
When  man  had  exerted  all  his  faculties,  and  in  all 

things  had  failed 
To  create,  or  give  influence  to  a  cause,  his  heart 

melted  —  cheek  pal'd,— 
Thus  he  saw  that  man  of  himself  was  a  failure, 

and  the  cause  of  a  thing 
Chang'd  not,  or  obedience  render,  but  to  Him  in 

whom  it  has  being. 

Here  man  remembers  the  council  of  God,  and  be- 
lieves, on  this  plants  his  faith; 
Hopes,   through  obedience  to  rejected  laws,   to 

regain  the  lost  estate : 
A   more   serious   problem   man's   rest   disturb' d 

through  a  vision  of  the  mind, 
That  before  he  can  keep  God's  law  he  must,  his 

relation  to  all  things,  find  — 
If,  for  sake  of  obedience,  man  a  knowledge  of  that 

relation  seek ; 
And,   with  perfect  heart  that  knowledge  with 

true  affection,  in  honor,  keep  ; 
God,  whom  he  desires  to  serve  will  enable  him  his 

duty  know ; 
And  with  respect  to  all  things  wherein  he  must 

act  that  knowledge  show. 
Man,  to  God,  is  related  as  His  power,  wisdom, 

glory,  goodness  knows, — 


38 


That  relation,  God  honors  or  disregards,  according 

to  acts  man  does. 
Man's  solution  of  his  relation  to  the  Great,  Eternal 

One  First  Cause 
Determines  his  course ;  becomes  a  basis  of  his  acts ; 

or  to  him  is  law, — 
The  law  which  governs  all  his  acts,  and  his  reason 

for  every  deed ; 
So  man's  belief  is  his  religion,  be  it  false  reasoning 

or  church  creed. 
From  that  beautiful  mansion,  where  man  first 

willingly  turned  his  steps  to  roam, 
Through  obedience  and  supplication  is  pleading  to 

make  it  his  home: 
With  eyes  steep' d  in  tears,  a  visible  token  of  heart 

rended  condition, 
He  vows  to  the  Universal  Ruler  to  serve  without 

superstition ; 
Sealing  the  obligation  of  his  vow  with  sacrifice, 

the  blood  of  life; 
Observing  obligations  of  matrimony  in  taking  Eve 

to  wife : 
That   obligation   acknowledg'd   in   the   pleasant 

shade  of  Eden's  tree  ; 
Before  the  throne  of  God,  on  the  flowery  shore  of 

the  crystal  sea; 
Witnessed  by  angels  looking  from  the  vault  of 

a  boundless  unclouded  sky, 
Where  the  splendors  of  youth  and  brightness  of 

the  morning  are  never  passed  by ; 
Saw  by  that  sleepless  Eye  that  regardeth  not  the 

innocent  flower, 
Which  matures  into  beauty  and  passes  on  'neath 

the  summer  bower; 
That  it  may  do  obedience  to  kindness  of  Almighty 

power 
In  passing  from  life  in  its  fairest  beauty,  at  the 

appointed  hour ; 


39 


Heard  by  that  auditory  acuteness  regist'ring  ev'ry 

sound, 
Gathering  the  cause  which  disturbed  the  quietness 

before  the  resound; 
Known  by  that  mind  which  sees  in  the  elements 

the  gendering  of  thought, 
Which  lighting  on  the  brain  of  man  shows  how 

mysteries  of  God  are  wrought : 
Marriage  was  instituted  with  knowledge  of  all 

things  in  a  holy  place ; 
In  the  sacred  precinct  of  light,  so  recommended  to 

all  Adam's  race: 

Declared  as  the  bond  for  the  union  of  love,  cement- 
ing two  hearts  as  one ; 
Thus  with  respect  to  ties  of  love,  man's  obedience 

to  his  wife  begun. 
So  Adam  saw  no  wrong  in  consenting  to  taste 

fruit  Eve's  sweet  lips  press' d, 
Who,    after  they  were   sufficiently  enlightened, 

found  themselves  undressed; 
Being  yet  surrounded  by  beauty  and  innocency  in 

realms  of  light 
They  hoped  to  securely  shelter  their  sin  in  the 

depths  of  the  shade  of  night : 
To  such  realm  they  were  unable  to  retire,  or  place 

find  to  hide  their  woe  ; 
For  place,  where  light  of  truth  and  knowledge 

enters  not  the  righteous  seed  to  sow, 
Is  not  to  be  found  in  the  heights  above,  or  with 

the  depths  below. 
Search  most  secret  spot  —  with  light  of  morning, 

to  uttermost  bounds,  go; 
And  a  place  you  will  not  find,  where  God  is  not 

ever  present 
To  judge  all  lords  and  kings,  and  console  the 

heart  of  the  peasant. 
Seeing  themselves  guilty  before  God    and    all 

things,  which  did,  yet,  truth  obey; 


40 


They  began  preparing  raiment,  so  foundation  for 

tailoring  did  lay ; 
Gathering  material  from  vegetation,  such  we  get 

from  field; 
Using  the  largest  that  least  labor  might  require 

to  cause  to  yield 
Into  a  garment  fitting  nice. — As  Eve  had  no  glass 

herself  to  behold, 

She  must  rely  on  what  Adam  said,  but  still  think- 
ing her  beauty  untold. 
From  sweetness  of  earth,  ocean  and  air  distill 

their  purity,  it  you  will  find 
A  bitterness  of  horror,  when  compared  to  influence 

of  joys  divine : 
Veg'tation,  animal  life  and  material  world,  their 

beauty  refine, 
It  would,  if  compared  with  celestial  beauty,  to 

imperfection  incline. — 
From  the  diamond,   sun  and  all  things  having 

light,  extract  the  purest  spark; 
But,  when  liken  to  the  pure  light  of  the  just,  you 

will  find  deep  shades  of  dark : 
From  the  human  voice ;  note  of  singing  bird  ; 
Or  all  things  in  which  a  pleasant  sound  be  heard, 
Draw  from  them  the  most  pleasing  strain,  note 

or  word; 

But,  when  compared  with  music  of  heaven's  choir 
In  it  you'd  no  sweetness  or  accordance  hear. 
The  joys  of  the  human  heart,  that  break  forth 

in  discordant  song 
On  the  still  night  air,  or  carried  with  the  golden 

flush  of  morn; 
The  love  of  the  singing  bird  carroll'd  forth  to  the 

delight 
Of  all  nature  from  a  heart  yearning  for  pur'ty  of 

light; 
And  all  the  creatures  of  nature  as  they  seem  to 

waste  their  souls  in  praise 


41 


To  Him  whose  love  ne'er  grows  cold,  nor  wastes 
not  in  endless  years  or  days, 

Are  all  resting  in  perfect  tone,  without  discord,  by 
that  heavenly  choir, 

Whose  voices  into  one  perfect  sound  roll  through 

endless  time  and  boundless  air. 
As  each  note  of  instrumental  music  some  pas- 
sion of  soul  elate ; 

Or,  as  it  some  new  joy,  pleasure  or  gladness  within 
the  heart  awake; 

So  in  music  of  that  band  that  e'er  plays  to  please 
the  Master  great, 

Each  of  these  notes,  in  purest  art,  are  perfect 
made  in  tone  and  shape  — 

All  the  purity  and  sweetness  of  that  music  so  per- 
fectly sublime 

Unite  in  one  sweet  chime  —  break  on  chord  of 
the  Aeolian-harp  of  time. 

And  in  that  happy  land  where  all  voices  are  but 
one; 

Where  all  instruments  of  music  to  one  note  are 
strung, 

There  that  great,  pure,  sweet  tone  into  which  all 
voices  have  grown, — 

The  chiming  of  that  wonderful  harp  into  same 
have  flown. 

How  all  vocal  sounds  and  tones  of  instrumental 
music  into  same' 11  flow 

Is  an  admirable  myst'ry  for  man  too  vast  to 
understand  or  show; 

To  the  mind  of  the  statesman,  priest,  poet  or  sage 

Is  a  thing  too  wonderful  for  him  to  presage ; 

But  to  the  mind  that  can  correctly  see  or  com- 
prehend, 

The  reason  is  that  their  influence  is  one  and  the 
same  — 

Instrumental  music  is  art  of  human  voice  playing 
on  a  string, 


42 


And  for  that  reason  it  is  an  accomplishment  to 

play  and  to  sing. 
Since  all  power  and  influence  to  One  Eternal 

Cause  in  union  flow; 
Nature  from  that  Great  One  First  Cause  with  due 

obedience  receives  her  law. 
Men  and  nations  from  kind  nature,  which  will  not 

give 

Personal  favors,  get  instructions  how  to  live : 
Write  their  laws  from  instructions  thus  received ; 
At  her  bar  seek  redress  from  what  aggrieved. 
Nature  to  her  principles  is  never  untrue  or  unfair, 
Nor  will  she  leave  her  trusting  children  to  perish 

in  despair; 

But,  all  her  causes  in  scale  of  justice  try ; 
The  poise  observe  with  an  unremitting  eye — 
Before  announcing  to  the   recording  angel   the 

weight, 
She  observes  again  each  influence  and  due  caution 

take 
To  see  that  every  poise  of  the  scale  does  exactly 

state 
How  the  influence  of  the  circumstance  to  the 

cause  relate. — 

And  the  good  or  evil,  that  has  thus  arose, 
Is  instantly  recorded  to  whom  it  goes. 
He,  who  sits  on  the  throne  by  His  inevitable  laws, 
Sees  what  word  or  action  has  been  productive  of 

the  cause ; 

Finds  the  exact  influence  intended  to  produce, 
Which  brought  the  word  or  action  to  such  a  state 

or  use; 

Or  how  it  has  influenced  the  world,  or  gave 
Principles  of  strength  some  falling  heart  to  save. 
If  evil  Almighty  Good  the  thing  rejects, 
vSeeing  no  beauty  it  holds  or  light  reflects ; 
If  good,  to  the  light  it  shows  the  highest  respect ; 
The  power  of  right  in  strength  it  e'er  will  protect. 


43 


What  is  nature,    or  from  whence   her    lofty 

powers  grow? 
Ask  the  Skeptic,  doubting  Love's  influence  or  her 

law.  « 

Before  you   can,  or  will  accept  the  answer   to 

the  question  give, 
You  must  accept  the  influence  of  elements  in 

which  you  live; 
And  this  existing  truth,  you  must  accept,  that  life 

cannot  come 

From  the  power  of  either  element  in  itself  alone : 
That  life  is  given,  or  as  you  would  say  produced 
By  that  influence,  which  each  lends  for  others  use : 
That  that  common  influence  into  which  they  all 

doth  blend 
Is  become  the  strength,  vitality,  light  and  life  of 

men: 
That  the  existence,  progress  and  well  being  of  all 

things  truly  depend 
On  keeping  a  true  relation  with  influence  in  which 

they  began. 
Sir,  I  cannot  find  reason  to  support  a  doubt 

that  would  reject 
The  truth,  which  the  conviction  of  my  heart  does 

on  my  mind  reflect. 
Then,  if  this  truth  does  so  clearly  to  thy  mind 

impart 
The  strength  that  influence  of  wisdom  has  o'er 

the  heart ; 
How  is  it  then,  that  you  are  unable  to  see,  or 

understand, 
To  rule  this  universe,  the  Being  must  be  superior 

to  man? 

Or  how  you  can  within  your  heart  and  mind  con- 
ceive 
A  thing  that  could  induce  you  life's  true  path  to 

leave  ? 

Because  the  Almighty  has  not  seen  fit  to  lend 
A  power  to  all  men  His  works  to  comprehend? 

44 


Then,  since  the  causes,  which  produce  the  animal 

life,  I  so  plainly  see, 
Why  is  it  I  can't  understand  how  an  acorn  can 

contain  a  tree? 
In  gentle  spring  the  mighty  oak  puts  forth  its 

flower 
To  welcome  the  refreshing  touch  of  the  vernal 

shower ; 
In  the  sweet  influence  of  sun  bathe  its  tender 

soul, — 

In  the  bright  splendor  of  the  radiant  light  of  gold ; 
From  the  influences  it  loves  gather  strength  of 

vital  force, 
With  nature  of  the  oak  unite  elements,  which  give 

the  growth. 

Thus  maturing  into  fruit  of  purity  and  worth, 
It  falls  to  sleep  upon  the  lap  of  mother  earth  ; 
Closely  nestled  within  her  bosom  neat  and  warm, 
Protected  from  the  drifting  snow  and  winter' s  storm ; 
Reposes  with  unconscious  ease  from  ev'ry  harm, 
And  awaketh  not  until  free  from  all  alarm : 
So  a  perfect  tree  within  a  shell's  thus  enclosed, 
Surrounded  with  all  nutriments  by  which  it  grows ; 
But,  would  not  be  stirred  from  the  silence  of  its 

repose, 
Until  returning  life  had  touched  the  heart  of  the 

rose — 
Urg'd  by  the  caressing  hand  of  loving  mother 

earth ; 
Allur'd  by  the  wide  spreading  music  of  vernal 

mirth ; 

Refreshed  by  the  healing  balm  applied  to  the  dust 
Forth  into  the  joys  and  power  of  life  it  burst. 
Two  leaves  at  first  its  foliage  did  compose, 
But  in  after  years  put  forth  mightier  boughs ; 
Its  broad  spreading  roots  into  earth's  bosom  shove 
Piercing  the  vaulted  sky  as  in  greatness  arose. 
Since  this  great  truth  is  so  firmly  fixed  on  my 

sight, 

45 


Then,  I  would  be  pleased  to  know  from  you,  what 

is  light? 
Before  the  light  you  can  know,  its  source,  you 

must  seek, 
Not  as  the  pround  and  haughty,  but  the  low  and 

meek: 
Your  heart  must  be  ready  to  receive  and  accept 

the  truth ; 
Become  as  humble  and  dependent  as  the  nursing 

youth : 
Think  not  that  there  is  wisdom  or  strength  within 

man 

His  course  too  prosperous  make,  or  destiny  plan ; 
But  this  one  truth,  must  know,  accept  and  under- 
stand, 

That  the  means  employed  will  determine  the  end  ; 
Course  or  character  of  principles  he  cannot  bend 
To  suit  the  purpose  of  his  own  superstitious  mind. 
Light's  source,  then  Sir,  you  must  hope  to  see  or 

find  in  the  place, 
Where  sits  the  Creator,  Ruler,  Guider  of  human 

race; 
To   his   infinite,    unerring,    infallable   knowledge 

adjust  your  sight, 
Then  this  you  will  understand  and  confess  to  be 

only  true  source  and  light. 

When  your  relation  to  all  things  you  seek  to  trace, 
Ignorance  and  darkness,   you  must,   from  your 

mind,  erase; 

For  as  you  see  a  thing,  whither  dimly  or  clear, 
So  that  thing  will  to  you  a  like  relation  bear ; 
So  long  as  such  relation  is  permitted  to  endure 
You  will,  from  it  some  good  receive  or  evil,  pro- 
cure: 

If  you  see  a  thing  in  original  light, 
And  it  you  apply  according  to  such  sight ; 
It's  virtues  you'll  no  longer  fear  or  deny, 
But,  on  its  purpose,  you  will  firmly  rely. 
Opinion's  but  a  collection  of  light, 


Harmonized  by  each  faculty  of  sight ; 

Thus  in  acceptance,  guarding  our  approach  to  the 
close, 

In  determining  what  confidence's  worthy  repose. 
Whither  intelligence   be   conduct' d  by   either 
faculty  of  sense, 

Through  observation   and   adjustment    it    must 
gain  the  other's  consent: 

By  such  acceptance  we  receive  intellectual  light, 

Which  is  equally  as  true  as  the  reflection  of  sight. 

If  at  any  time  one  faculty  refuse  with  others  to 
coincide, 

Then  reason's  most  powerful  lens  is  faithfully 
sought  and  as  truly  tried; 

The  cause  confine  to  a  closer  restriction  of  purer 
light 

To  relieve  the  mind  from  waving  image  of  shadow- 
ing doubt ; 

Enable  the  faculties,  of  the  cause,  a  true  disposi- 
tion make; 

Place  in  life's  scale  where  most  happiness  and 

greatest  pleasure  effect. 

Purest  gems  of  life  are  only  discoverable  be- 
neath reason's  ray : 

Life's  sweetest  and  most  tender  thoughts  often 
contained  by  subjects  cast  away: 

Then  let  each  subject  having  influence  with  our 
lives  to  connect, 

Be  tried  by  the  light  and  the  beauty  that  it  of  it- 
self reflect ; 

Plac'd  in  due  connection  with  every  pleasing  in- 
fluence of  the  soul ; 

With  concentrated  light  of  ev'ry  virtue  humanity 
can  behold, 

And,  if  through  the  current  of  the  varied  relations, 
there  be  caused  to  flow 

Into  the  heart  sereener  joys — to  exile  force  some 
instrument  of  woe ; 


47 


Then  its  course  make  most  sure,  ever  lighted  by 

the  self  same  spark, 
Always  welcome  its  ebb  and  flowing  through 

portals  of  the  heart. 
The  influence  which  flows    from    the    bodies 

celestial, 

In  sweetest  effulgence  o'er  this  ball  terrestrial, 
Is  the  sun's  bright  glow  tinctured  by  the  moon's 

silvery  beam; 
And  soft  affections  of  the  king  of  day  for  the 

nightly  queen 

Is  gendered  into  the  stars'  soft  melting  blaze, 
Which  union  attracts  the  angels'  fondest  gaze : 
Union  should  be  no  less  a  virtue  in  this  life, 
When  pertaining  to  the  bonds  binding  man  and 

wife  ; 

And  let  confidence  bear  a  soothing  for  ev'ry  tear ; 
As  in  darkest  night  greatest  constellations  appear. 
As  lesser  luminaries  pale  before  the  King  of  the 

Solar  Reign; 
Or  the  morning,  from  the  rose's  smiling  face,  as  in 

silence  she  complians, 
Kisses  a  dewy  tear  away;  so  small  ideas  lead  to 

high  views, 
And  continue  through  pure  principle  to  rise  to 

more  perfect  truths. 

Our  being  is  but  a  solar  system  of  human  light, 
Of  which  the  soul  is  sun  and  intelligence  the  sight ; 
The  mind,  the  moon,  piercing  the  deep  darkness 

and  gloom  of  ignorance  night ; 
Searching  her  dusky  vaults  and  asserting  claim 

to  utensils  of  life : 
The  soul  and  mind  then  give  time  and  season  to 

ev'ry  affair, 
Which  also  determine  the  character  of  fruit  that 

we  bear. 

All  physical  and  intellectual  forces  are  stars  of  life, 
Gathering  an  influence  and  vital  strength  from 

the  soul's  pure  plight 

48 


To  adjust  them  to  their  position  in  the  system  of 

life; 

Bound  man's  conduct  by  more  perfect  beauty- 
refinement  of  light. 
Religion  is  the  axis  on  which  human  destiny 

revolves, 
Which  is  so  infinite  in  extremes  that  there  can  be 

no  poles. 

If  that  religion  be  a  true  faith  in  the  powers  of  God, 
Production  of  that  planet  will  grow  from  pure 

flowers  of  love ; 

Ripen  into  fruit  of  the  purest  mellowy  hue ; 
Fragrant  with  flavors  of  the  sweetest  heavenly 

dew; 
Containing  nutriment  to  nourish  ev'ry  virtue  of 

gold, 
And  fluids  sufficient  to  slake  every  thirst  of  the 

soul. 

If  the  axis  be  paganism,  or  infidelity,  or  doubt, 
The  planet  of  life  will  continue  to  circle  in  un- 
known route 
With  no  fixed  purpose  to  rule,  or  to  guide  its 

course ; 

To  lights  of  humanity  be  forever  lost  — 
A  miserable  sphere,  in  a  desolate  abode, 
Disconnected  from  all  there  are  to  adore  or  love ; 
A  barren,  ice-cover'd,  tempestuous,  rocky  home ; 
A  place  where  no  joys  of  life  flourish,  or  virtues 

bloom. 

Seven  lib'ral  arts  or  sciences  are  Pl'ads  of  life, 
Having  an  influence  no  man  can  bind  or  set  at 

strife ; 
Lending  a  needed  assistance  to  every  vocation  of 

man; 
Enabling  every  faculty  of  mind  to  take  hold  with 

the  hand, 
To  put  in  execution  art's  most  perplexing  or 

wonderful  plan; 


49 


To  erect  every  structure  devised  by  the  sapience 
of  man : 

Has  checked  the  sea  in  her  wild  domain, 

To  a  portion  of  her  bed  set  claim. 

Flourishing  districts  and  cities  now  stand  where 
the  sea  once  raved, 

To  its  marts  gather  luxuries  of  the  world  from  o'er 
her  wave: 

Sends  in  exchange  articles  for  which  human  pride 
continues  its  cry; 

To  every  necessity  of  man  furnish  a  lib'ral  supply: 

Has   discovered   and   made   application   of   the 
powers  of  steam, 

Lessened  the  burdens  and  cares  of  life  by  loco- 
motive machine. 

The  locomotive  and  steamer  have  reached  the 
most  distant  place  ; 

Quicken' d  all  branches  of  industry  to  a  more  pro- 
gressive pace: 

Has  tamed  the  forked  lightning  of  the  thunder, 

Which  was  to  man  a  terrifying  wonder  — 

Curbing  its  force,  light  and  speed  to  the  course  of 
a  wire ; 

Substituting  its  light  for  cannels,  its  heat  for  fire. 

Its  power  to  propel  applied  to  the  trolley  and 
wheel, 

And  through  this  application  great  usefulness  doth 
reveal  — 

Sound's  now    transmitted    with    speed    rivaling 
velocity  of  light ; 

Communication  established  between  all  people , — 
black  or  white  — 

Electricity  now   carries  intelligence  over  land,— 
under  sea, — 

Has  wrought  a  revolution  in  every  branch  of  in- 
dustry that  be. 

Brotherly  friendship's  that  Orion  Band  that  binds 
Man  to  humanity  through  all  its  course  and  lines ; 
Makes  him  a  brother  and  friend  to  every  race ; 

50 


Gives  man  a  welcome  in  every  clime  and  place : 
Seated  deep  in  every  heart  to  rule  through  time 

and  space; 
A  band  the  devil  cannot  break  —  stamp  he  can  — 

not  erase. 
Through  the  channels  of  the  blood  it  flows  pure, 

deep  and  strong; 

Renovates  and  purifies  our  lives  with  mercy's  song : 
Heart  speaks  to  heart  in  nature's  deepest  tone, 
When  all  earthly  help  has  fled  and  is  gone : 
Calls  to  life  those  principles  in  the  human  breast, 
That  stir  supreme  joys  from  abode  of  earthly  rest ; 
Thus  in  the  orb  of  life  a  new  luminary  softly 

shines 
To  light  humanity  to  more  glorious  and  sweeter 

climes. 
This  band  has  bound  continents  by  commercial 

lines ; 
Encircled  the  globe  with  joyous   and   peaceful 

climes ; 
Has  taught  peaceful  arts  to  every  tribe  beneath 

the  sun; 
Will  continue  until  rendered  useless  the  sword 

and  gun; 
Will  set  in  reign  pure  joy,  where  strife  did  once 

abound, 
Strewn  the  earth  with  desolation  and  carnage 

round ; 

O'er  useful  arts,  with  truth,  to  etern'ly  smile 
On  Folly's  grave,  that  once  ruled  the  savage  wile  ; 
But  sincere  Folly's  death  true  splendor  in  radi- 
ance shine 
With  a  glow  that  superstition  and  folly  cannot 

blind. 
God's  power  to  know  and  to  save  from   the 

hand  of  fate 
Just  at  that  moment  when  earthly  help  seems  too 

late; 
Preserve  us  in  quiet  peaceful  hours  of  sleep 

51 


From  the  hand  that  would,  the  earth  with  our 

blood,  steep; 
To  conceal  from  the  eye  of  the  serpent,  or  the 

enemy  that  lurks 
In  secret  paths,  to  seize  with  fiery  fangs,  or  hurl 

poisonous  darts, 
Is  to  humanity  like  Mazzaroth,  which  in  nature 

gives 
Exact  time  and  season  to  each  botanical  form 

that  lives; 
Instructs  plants  and  trees, when  to  answer  nature's 

call; 

And  when  to  shout  with  vernal  voices  one  and  all ; 
When  to  spread  forth  their  lovely  hands  in  form 

of  flowers  and  leaves, — 
Sparkling  dew  drops  and  other  heavenly  blessing 

to  receive ; 

Hurry  on  in  tender  buds  through  sunny  days 
To  drink  in  the  sweeter  notes  of  summer  lays ; 
Watch  then  as  they  through  the  age  of  beauty 

glare 

Toward  approach  of  hyperborean  air, 
As  it  follows  the  sun  in  his  southerly  retreat, 
Leaving  nature,  over  her  shining  vesture,  to  weep : 
As  the  frost  follows  in  the  sun's  bright  wake; 
From  trees  and  plants  their  verdant  robe,  to  take, 
Leaving  them  bear  to  the  howling  storm  and 

raging  air,— 
Among  the   branches,   pure  lovely  snow   flakes 

play  so  fair, 
That  there  could  seem  no  harm  in  their  visiting 

this  earth  for  a  while, 
Since  they,  in  such  perfect  loveliness,  over  nature 

cast  their  smile: 
Covering  the  earth  with  a  pure  white  coverlet  not 

her  own; 
Decorating  the  forest  with  beauty  not  of  foliage 

grown ; 
Calling  the  vital  elements  to  quiet  repose; 

52 


And  nature  stooping  to  hear  all  her  creatures  woes, 

Kindly  admonishing  them  that  they  which  least 
complain 

Will  soonest  feel  life's  adolescent  powers  again  — 

And  will  stronger  grow  in  favor  with  the  sun, 

'Til  his  course  to  Canser  be  completely  run ; 

To  look  again  with  a  smile  upon  the  polar  field ; 

Where  the  treasures  of  frost,  snow,  hail  and  ice  lay 
concealed. 

Think  what'd  be  their  worth  if  God  had  not  con- 
fined 

His  annual  course  to  these  tropical  lines ; 

The  beauty  of  the  artic  realm  would  vainly  fair, 

If  he  should  elect  to  extend  his  visits  there ; 

The  congealed  bosom  of  the  artic  sea 

Into  placid  waters  would  molten  be. 

If  the  sun  in  his  steady  course  the  north  pole 
should  find, 

The  cold  from  there  driven  would  around  the 

south  combine. 
If  it  be  true  what  the  scientists  say, 

That  glaciers  over  this  zone  once  held  sway; 

The  sun's  most  southerly  bound  at  the  time 

Must  have  been  the  Ant-arctic  circling  line; 

And  the  tropic  of  Capricorn,  the  equator  of  time, — 

Equally   further   to   south   extended   the   frigid 
clime, — 

Then,  we  must  believe  that  in  the  circle  of  years 

The  sun'll  vary  'til  cancer,  the  equator  appears. 
How  all  changes  in  nature  come  and  how  they  go 

Is  not  for  mortal  man  to  understand  or  know ; 

But  God  in  his  pure  wisdom  so  equal  and  pro- 
found 

Will  bring  into  usefulness  all  elements  that  bound ; 

The  frosty  realms  that  now  lay  buried  by  ice  and 
snow 

May  in  the  course  of  time  into  fertile  valleys  grow ; 

The  deserts,  that  now  lay  parched  by  an  equa- 
torial sun, 

53 


May  enjoy  the  cooler  bliss  of  a  milder  temperate 

zone; 

Regions,  that  now  lay  barren  from  heat  and  cold, 
May  one  day  be  praised  for  their  wine  and  their 

gold; 
The  parch' d  shrub  or  lichen  that  may  now  be 

growing  there, 
Instead  may  grow,   tropical  plants  and  flowers 

most  fair; 
In  space,  where  no  knowledge,  save  instinct  and 

intelligence  of  God  abound, 
In  the  future  annals  of  time  great  universities, 

there,  may  be  found ; 

Where  no  labor  of  man  is  now  to  be  seen  or  heard, 
The  works  of  useful  arts  and  science  may  spread 

abroad ; 

O'er  the  bosom  of  the  now  frozen  sea,  the  million- 
aire's yacht  may  skim; 
And  on  the  now  bleak  shores  the  solitary  peasant 

may  chant  a  hymn. 
That  great  light  or  virtue  in  which  all  human 

lights  or  virtues  are  bound, 
From  it  all  lesser  lights  or  virtues  in  humanity,  to 

flow,  are  found,— 
Spreads  with  equal  fullness  undiminished  ray  and 

light 
Through  the  vaulted  sepulchers  of  human  fear 

and  strife; 
To  lay  superstition  and  folly  in  their  lothesome 

beds  so  low; 
Leave  the  better  flowers  of  nature,  in  the  human 

heart  to  grow- 
That  bows  humanity  at  a  sympathetic  shrine 
With  loving  heart  and  tender  soul  for  the  weak 

and  blind, — 
When  moving  among  worms  to  guide  the  foot  with 

caution  tender, 
That  their  rights  you  may  not  obstruct,  or  in  their 

labor  hinder  ; 

54 


But  rejoice  in  their  moving  at  the  command 
Made  by  the  waving  of  an  Almighty  hand  — 
The  treasure  of  the  mother  bird  regard  with  most 

tender  care, 
That  we  may  rejoice  with  her  in  what  we  love  in 

equal  share 
By  like  pity  that  cause  us  the  mother  bird's  young 

to  spare 
God  will  our  rights  to  mercy  by  his  loving  hand 

declare ; 
That  teaches  to  admire  the  rose  in  its  splendor 

and  pass 
Without    obeying    the    desire    its    beauty    to 

possess ; 
Through  obedience  to  that  desire  the  beautiful 

crush  to  death; 
And  leave  the  stem  to  solitary  pining  for  its 

wealth  bereft. 
We  cannot  carelessly  crush  the  meanest  plant 

that  grows, 

Or  so  deprive  of  life  the  lowest  insect  that  moves 
Without  being  in  violation  to  God's  most  tender 

laws, 
Through  which  all  creatures'  lives  and  rights  to 

him  he  sweetly  draws. 

Through  that  mercy  shown  by  God  to  man, 
From  man  to  each  living   form  extend, 
Causes  influence  of  floral  beauty,  in  tenderest  bliss, 
To  salute  the  soul  of  man  with  nature's  sweet 

adoring  kiss,— 

Which  inspires  man's  soul  in  its  highest  strain 
To  sing  praise  to  God's  pure  and  holy  name, 
For  communion  with  tender  beauties  of  ocean, 

earth  and  air ; 
To  bring  his  soul  before  God  in  sweet  and  solemn 

prayer. 
By  man  accepting  these  lights  and  seeking  their 

source 
His  life  will  drift  on  in  truest,  loftiest  course ; 

55 


Not  by  force  impelled,  but  drawn  by  purest  im- 
pulse of  love 

Over  the  calm  bosom  of  peace  to  eternally  move 
In  the  boundless  realm  of  peaceful  light  and  end- 
less good; 

Where  humanity  is  calm  as  it  anciently  stood  — 
And  still  carried  upward  through  an  endless  year ; 
The  fullness  of  God's  glory  can  ne'er  appear: 
Then,  since  God's  glory  and  fullness  can  never 

cease, 

Man's  pleasures  will  have  a  perennial  increase; 
And  man  into  godliness  will  continually  grow, 
While  the  fullness  of  such  godliness  he  can  never 

know: 
And  still  there  is  a  centering  power  of  God's  mercy 

which  draws 
A  perfect  feeling  of  sympathy  for  ev'ry  creature's 

woes; 
And  through  that  potent  feeling  administers  equal 

laws,— 
Ever  by  scale  of  justice  establish  the  rightful 

cause. 
There  is  no  act  of  charity  or  oppression,  but  God 

knows  why 
That  the  happy  are  delighted,  or  that  the  lowly 

cast  a  sigh. 
All  vitality,  truth  and  intellect  in  God  becomes 

but  one, 
Just  as  all  creatures'  beings  were  with  Him  before 

their  lives  begun; 
And  every  living  form  endowed  with  a  life  and 

nature  of  its  own ; 
That  each  generated  being  should  be  flesh  of  its 

flesh,  bone  of  its  bone  — 
Each  created  being  looks  to  God  through  life  and 

form  its  own; 
And  by  that  nature,  and  life,  and  form  it  to  its 

class  is  known. 


By  that  first  form  or  image,  which  stands  before 

God's  throne; 
Through  which  each  has  its  being  and  to  the 

Father  sworn 

To  bear  true  the  precepts  of  His  love  to  each  cre- 
ated kind, 
That  they  may  to  their  first  image  turn  for  glory 

so  divine. 
The  image  of  the  first  created  being  is  Lord  of  all 

its  race, 
Since  they  are  bound  by  its  form  and  nature  and 

ruled  by  its  sight  and  taste, 
As  all  races  of  living  creatures  have  first  their 

being  with  God, 

And  through  that  being  ever  bound  by  an  uner- 
ring force  of  love 
To  keep  true  the  laws  of  nature  and  pay  homage 

to  him  above; 
So  the  image  drawn  in  heaven  is  the  sun  of  each 

systematic  life 
Harmonizing  vital  forces,  which  beautify  and  rule 

each  in  its  might; 
Thus  all  are  bound  by  the  pure  love  of  the  Father 

into  a  higher  life, 
That  keeps  lowest  creature, — rules  the  distant 

planets  and  sets  the  stars  aright. 
Bach  form  of  life  has  a  vital  planet  as  a  lordly 

image  drawn 
By  the  great  Architect  of  the  universe  before  the 

earth  had  form; 
Bach  planet  set  universal  to  draw  its  innumerable 

train 
Into  boundless  infinite  kingdom  of   God   before 

his  holy  reign. 
So  this  planitary  light  we  may  view  in  life's  lowest 

form 
To  the  more  splendid  light  of  man,   which  is 

nearest  heaven  drawn : 


57 


In   reverse  we  find,   man  below  angels  made  a 

little  less; 
Thus  each  sphere  of  life  does  alike  vanish  down 

to  nothingness. 
The   tracing   of   each  human  principle  from  a 

spark  most  obscure 
Through  a  gathering  influence  into  a  living  light 

most  pure 
Is  but  humanity  gathering  into  heaven's  sweetest 

love, 
As  will  eternally  brighten  through  endless  age 

that  doth  move 
Into  a  brighter  world  of  thought,  as  an  endless 

day  will  roll, 

Through  fuller  life  with  no  bound,  joy  and  per- 
fection to  control: 
Instead  of  feebleness  of  age  man'll  continue  to 

grow  more  strong  in  youth, — 
There  is  no  feebleness  of  age,  but  in  receding  from 

God's  loving  truth. 
Just  as  each  vital  planet's  adjusted  by  the  Great 

Life  Giving  Force 
To  its  proper  position  with  regard  to  every  vital 

course ; 

So  material  planets  are  controlled  by  solar  powers, 
That  govern  time,  rule  the  seasons  and  regulate 

the  showers; 

Which  power  is  gathered  into  myriad  suns, 
And  properly  lights  and  heats  each  planet  that 

hums 

Its  course  within  the  arms  of  equal  force 
To  connect  all  its  parts  with  the  need  source. 
Arcturus  is  that  power  which  draws 
All  systems  to  seat  of  solar  laws, 
As  they  are  held  in  the  vast  expanse 
By  powers  equal,  but  not  by  chance ; 
While  the  distance  of  their  course  and  the  time  to 

make 
Are  reckon 'd  with  precision,  so  to  render  safe 

58 


The  vast  universe  in  all  its  parts  and  as  a  whole, 
Should  each  system  be  set  ne'er  in  time  to  cease 

to  roll; 
And  when  billions  of  years,  in  dusky  cycles,  will 

have  past 
In  time  and  distance  there' d  be  no  variance  in 

the  least; 

The  same  relation  to  its  sun  each'd  yet  maintain, 
Nor  yet  in  space  would  have  turned  to  the  light 

in  vain; 

As  yet,  the  seasons  it  would  continue  to  change, 
For  all  creatures'  benefits  equally  the  same  — 
All  the  vast  universe  would  continue  to  roll, 
Alike  for  the  same  purpose  as  we  now  behold ; 
Nor  would  there  have  been  one  collision  in  all  that 

vast  host; 

One  star  or  planet  in  its  course  or  to  its  sun  be  lost, — 
But  prove  this  truth  to  all  generations  yet  unborn, 
That  the  Great  I  Am  does  all  his  work  with  truth 

adorn: 
By  perfect  knowledge,  through  reason  clear  in 

space,  bind 

All  his  principles  and  works  through  unerring  time ; 
Where  they  in  purest  light  doth  truly  shine 
Through  test  of  wisdom,  true  to  ever  find 
Their  perfect  sitting,  in  this  vast  universe,  thus 

behold 

To  mould  all  space  in  one  just  body  and  one  per- 
fect soul. 
So  God   did   all  things  to  their  rightful  realms 

confine 

In  harmonious  keeping  with  a  perfect  mind  — 
And  set  in  touch  with  a  Being  that  ever  knows 
All  that  be  not  in  keeping  with  perfections'  laws : 
And  when  such  keeping  does  not  always  be, 
The  offender's  found  by  the  perfect  three. 
The  Father  from  whom  all  in  order  grew, 
Ever  holds  them  by  a  most  perfect  view 
To  account  to  all  His  vastness  great 

59 


For  the  keeping  of  their  first  estate, 

This  solar  system  we  behold  materially  disclose, 
To  us  the  fact,  that  it  from  a  universal  system 

grows  ; 

Controlled  by  equal,  yet  by  greater  laws, — 
Which  knows  no  variance  or  seeks  a  pause 
To  make  better  anything  for  nature's  cause, — 
For,  as  they  were  first  created  so  must  stand 
True  to  perfection's  everlasting  plan, 
Which  the  Creator  had  ever  seen 
Each  thing  to  itself  so  pure  and  clean : 
Thus  in  creating  ordained  to  it  a  law 
To  ever  within  the  orb  of  nature  draw — 
A  rule  by  elements  it  thus  compose, 
To  determine  the  rights  of  its  dispose. 
So  through  this  it  is  given  a  law  to  find 
How  each  form  of  life  is  to  its  sphere  confin'd ; 
Each  planet  in  position  to  sun  inclin'd. 
As  the  stars,  through  the  universe  inconstella- 

tions,  gather  round 
To  veil  their  sweet  faces  in  honor  of  sun's  more 

glorious  crown ; 
Or  as  the  suns,  which  spread  their  beauty  through ^ 

infinite  space, 
Delight  to  pay  homage  to  Arcturus'  more  dazzling 

grace; 
Which   supplies   the   most   distant   planet  with 

means  of  fire, 

Or  robes  in  light  of  crystal  beauty  the  purest  star : 
Thus,  the  many  virtues  of  humanity  ever  cluster 
To  unite  their  light,  power  and  beauty  in  purest 

lustre, 

To  form  a  crown  for  man,  it  to  give, 
If  worthy  in  life  he  strives  to  live  ; 
When,  before  the  Father  be  summoned  to  appear 
The  radiant  light  of  that  crown  will  banish  all  fear ; 
For  truth  doth  ordain  that  no  being  shall  possess 

such  apparel, 


60 


Who  is  unworthy  to  enjoy  the  light  of  the  su- 
pernal world  — 

And  that  he  who  such  a  robe  may  possess, 

Shall  inherit  wealth  of  immortal  bliss. 

There  are  other  human  virtues,  which  we  might 
minutely  relate; 

Within  their  spheres  are  artisticallly  fitted  and 
supremely  great, — 

But  to  the  subject  we  must  turn  to  state ; 

To  hear,  the  Skeptic  doth  linger  and  wait. 

Sir,  a  question  you  have  asked  and  yet  not  will- 
ing to  hear 

The  truth  of  bright  mysteries  lingering  ever  so 
near, 

Which  are  ever  conversant  with  souls  that  would 
know 

The  sweet  beams  of  joy  which  incessantly  flow 

From  nature's  audible  speech,  or  heaven's  vocal 
sounding ; 

To  every  ear  speaking  and  through  all  space  re- 
sounding : 

And  yet,  Sir,  have  you  not  felt,  nor  do  you  under- 
stand 

How  the  grandeur  of  the  rose  salutes  the  soul  of 
man? 

While  man  returns  the  salutation  so  civil  and 
seemingly  quiet 

In  recognition  of  such  exquisite  beauty  and  purity 
of  life; 

Through  love  breathes  out  the  beauty  and  sweet- 
ness of  its  soul 

For  the  sake  of  good  and  not  for  rubies  or  for  gold  ; 

But,  prove  the  congeniality  of  air  and  mould 

As  the  Plastic  Hand,  them  in  such  mystic  beauty, 

fold. 
Sir,  nature  in  a  plant,  let  us  first  seek  to  trace, 

To  find  how  it  does  many  elements  embrace. 

There,  moisture,  and  earth,  and  air,  and  light 

We  see  spreading  into  life  so  bright ; 

61 


And,  if  the  truth  we  do  seek  to  find, 

Why  these  elements  will  so  combine; 

This  a  supreme  idea  we  will  find  to  truly  glow 

Traceable  under  guidance  of  nature's  useful  law. 

First  we  find,  in  the  realm  of  life  came  a  demand, 
And  to  find  what  it  was  was  part  of  wisdom's  plan ; 
So  she,  from  the  characteristics  of  the  call,  saw 

what  would  supply, — 

That  materials  to  make  it  did  somewhere  in  na- 
ture's kingdom  lie; 
And  wisdom  calling  for  material  in  a  voice  nature 

knew, 
She  electrified  each  source  with  a  spirit  to  the 

others  true; 

And  gave  them  with  a  pleasing  will, 
Knowing  they  would  the  purpose  fill. 
Thus  knowledge,  under  the  guidance  of  truth,  was 

made  to  understand 
How  this  form  of  life  was  delivered  nature  under 

wisdom's  plan: 

The  Creator  did  there  ordain  for  nature's  sake 
The  form  of  mould  these  principles  should  touch 

and  wake: 
And  through  the  kindred  feeling,  congenial  to 

them  all, 
Gave  eternally  the  form  of  plant  that  should  rise 

and  fall : 
Endowed  them  with  a  sense  of  feeling  so  perfect 

and  so  pure, 
From  the  autumnal  or  vernal  touch  tell  which 

will  kill  or  cure. 
The  harmonious  blending  of  elements  the  plants 

existence  compose, 
While  through  the  material  principles,  they  do 

its  being  so  disclose. 
At  the  touch  of  that  harmony,  in  life,  a  plant 

rises  forth; 
And  through  the  strength  of  the  union  finds  the 

extent  of  its  growth. 

62 


The  power  that  causes  kindred  principles  to  blend 
in  life, 

For  a  purpose  true  with  God  in  wisdom's  pure  and 
perfect  light; 

Call  to  existence  certain  froms  from  the  dust  of 
earth, 

And  control  them  in  after  life  as  true  as  in  birth,— 

With  all  other  powers  and  principles,  which  do 
that  form  concern 

In  harmony  are  called  nature  as  they  homage  to 

God  return. 

This  power  of  nature's  art  has  and  will  ever  dis- 
play 

Floral  beauty,  the  grandest  and  purest  man's 
heart  to  sway : 

The  vegetable  kingdom  spread  over  this  earth  so 
vast, 

Until  the  islands  remote  in  such  like  beauty  were 
cast; 

To  laden  the  cooling  breeze  with  fragrance  pure, 
lovely  and  sweet; 

Until  o'er  the  bosom  of    the  far  distant  ocean 
might  greet, 

With  joy  some  lonely  being  that  has  a  tear  to  stay, 

Caused  by  the  rending  of  hearts  when  in  distance 
away  ; 

In  land  where  spirits  congenial  had  learn' d  to  cling 

In  the  harmony  of  truth  two  souls  were  wont  to 

sing. 

The  mineral  and  vegetable  kingdoms  being  com- 
plete; 

All  other  powers  gave  audience  to  hear  wisdom 
dictate. 

Not  being  willing  that  all  this  magnificence  should 
here  be  doomed  to  waste, 

Called  a  multiplicity  of  animals — each  with  a  pe- 
culiar taste — 

That  would  in  them  a  pure  relish,  thus  produce 


63 


For  the  vegetation  fitting  for  their  use. 

The  beasts  were  made,  the  earth  in  kindred  herds 
to  rove ; 

To  seek  food  from  nature's  store  —  shelter  in  the 
grove : 

The  fish  were  formed  to  love  the  watery  fields 
that  sweep 

Over  the  mighty  caverns,  and  in  their  secrets 
sleep : 

Fowls  were  made,  on  wing,  to  explore  the  aerial 
plain ; 

To  give  the  soul  in  artless  song  the  savage  breast 
to  tame: 

Then  came  man,  the  lordly  being  of  a  created  plan, 

With  knowledge  to  find  secrets  —  the  hidden  mys- 
teries scan. 

All  things  engaged  his  search,  their  usefulenss  to 
unfold ; 

In  each  form,  and  through  each  trace,  and  with 
them  as  a  whole, 

The  link  of  nature's  pleasing  art;  binding  them  to 
his  soul, 

He  lost  not  from  a  living  form  down  to  the  sleep- 
ing mould : 

So  all  things,  whether  in  place  remote,  or  in  distance 
near, 

In  the  scale  of  man's  necessity  do  somewhere  ap- 
pear. 

Every  created  form,  through  the  art  of  nature's 
mazy  plan, 

Has  a  direct  usefulness,  traceable  to  some  need 
of  man  — 

From  each  form,  by  vital  powers,  given  strength 
and  taste; 

Clothed  with  magnificent  beauty  of  artistic  grace ; 

Or  objects  inanimate  designed  to  stand, 

Where  set  a  shelter  from  time's  inclement  hand, — 
By  instinctive  feelings  akin  to  fraternal  power, 


64 


Each  being,  to  its  species,  is  bound  in  life's  fatal 

hour, 

To  give  attention  to  distress'  unnatural,  yet,  fa- 
miliar cry; 
To  render  a  needed  assistance,  with  hurried  steps, 

will  ever  fly 

To  the  relief  of  one  uttering  such  signs  of  distress, 
That  it  may  be  freed  from  the  powers,  which  do 

so  oppress. 
That  power  propitious,  Sir,  that  in  all  creation  is 

cast; 
Binding  sympathetically  each  living  creature  to 

its  class, — 
Being  eternally  bound  by  the  form  of  ancestors 

primeval ; 
Also  by  sight,  taste,  hearing,  smelling,  feeling  and 

habits  co-eval, 
In  animals  are  denominated  faculties  of  nat'ral 

instinct, 
While  in  addition  to  these  man  is  given  power  to 

reason  ai\d  think. 
Nature,  Sir,  in  its  fullness  is  that  power,  which 

found  fitting 
All  things  their  place  in  the  universe  where  they 

are  now  sitting; 
To  and  from  all  things  else  give  and  gather  a 

mutual  assistance, — 
No  matter  how  small  or  insignificant,  without  its 

existence, 
The  Creator's  work  would  be  incomplete,   and 

time's  hand  that  flaw  would  seek; 
Nature's  adamantine  bands,  to  slowly  dissolve  and 

as  quietly  break  — 

Then  the  universe  from  off  its  foundation,  shake 
To  again  be  hurled  into  a  chaotic  state  — 
But,  since  nature  has  under  the  guide  of  wisdom's 

eye, 
Set  her  works,  time's  devastating  hand,  to  defy; 


65 


Until  that  great  coming  day  in  which  fire,  this 

flight  of  years,  shall  sweep, 
Into  the  past  in  search  of  inhabitants  for  celestial 

deep. 
Then,  while  time'll  last,  man  will  find  nothing  to 

fear, 

If,  through  nature  to  God,  he  ever  draws  near. 
Nature  further,  Sir,  is  like  a  great  capillary 

system  which  connect 
Each  feeling  and  pulse  and  sense  of  the  mortal 

with  an  immortal  effect ; 
Like  sensor  and  motor  currents  of  the  spinal 

system,  which  we  trust 
To  convey  exact  intelligence  to  the  mind  of  each 

thing  we  touch : 
So  do  the  great  truths  of  the  Creator,  all  feelings 

of  his  creatures,  bind 
To  his  power  of  feeling  and  intellect,  their  wants 

and  needs  to  define; 
So  no  creature  can  feel,  act  or  move,  except  an 

impression  exact 
Is  felt  by  the  great  heart  and  soul  of  nature,  and 

so  reflected  back: 

Thus  all  our  lives,  before  the  Father,  ever  stand 
Tried,  tested  and  proved  by  heaven's  own  loving 

hand. 
In  the  Archives  of  nature  the  book  of  truth' 11 

unfold, 
In  letters  enamell'd  by  time  and  burnished  with 

gold, 
A  history  of  all  things  as  God  saw  them  in  light  of 

age; 
By  the  power  of  his  wisdom,  before  their  existence 

gave,— 
There  find  the  source  from  whence  every  habit  of 

life  has  its  spring, — 
The  reason  why  these  ancestrial  habits  forever 

will  cling, 


66 


In  every  age  and  clime,  true  to  the  offspring  of  its 
kind. — 

Authenticity  of  its  records    proclaim    in  words 
divine — 

There  may  read  the  mysteries  which  a  plant  im- 
parts, 

But  must  do  it  at  the  expense  of  nature's  arts ; 

Before  we  can  its  powers  of  beauty  extol, 

We  must  every  secret  of  its  worth  unfold : 

To  obtain  knowledge  by  which  it  was  made  alive 

We  must,  the  plant  of  its  form  and  beauty,  de- 
prive,— 

For  by  the  knowledge  of  the  Creator,  the  plant 
into  existence  came, — 

A  separation  of  elements  be  necessary  for  to  ob- 
tain 

A  like  intelligence  of  the  plant,  its  culture,  its 
climate  and  its  name. 

We  find  God's  power  to  create  and  preserve  the 
science  of  arts  involve; 

And  for  man  to  successfully  trace,  must  the  plant 
to  all  its  parts  dissolve  — 

Find  each  element  has  material  existence  to  itself 
alone  ; 

But,   not  existing  influence  to  the  elementary 
world  unknown. 

Bach  life's  influence  of  certain  elements  in  har- 
mony blended, 

So  we  find  that  they  are  from  a  like  union  of  the 
whole  descended. — 

Then  read  nature  perfect  as  a  whole,  and  in  every 
part; 

And  there  read  the  perfection  of  science  and  alike 

of  art. 

Sir,  will  you  not  to  the  Skeptic  here  well  and  truly 
explain 

How  Adam  was  reconciled  to  the  Father  in  Eden's 
plain ; 


67 


Placed  in  a  garden  filled  with  fruits  the  most  de- 
licious to  taste; 
With  flowers  the  most  gorgeous  in  colors  on  which 

sight  could  feast; 

With  orders,  thatseen  elysian,  to  dress  and  to  keep— 
Of  the  fruit  of  good  and  evil,  prohibited  to  eat? 
After  the  fruit  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil  did 

partake, 
It  was  then  of  the  tree  of  life  he  was  forbidden  to 

taste? 
And  where  now,  Sir,  is  that  garden,  if  thou  can'st 

tell; 
Of  the  tree  of  life,  is  it  yet  standing  or  fell  ? 

Sir,  in  the  Book  of  Revelations  it  is  again  reveal'd 
In  words  of  pure  holiness  and  with  prophetic 

knowledge  seal'd, 
That  in  crystal  purity  the  river  of  life  begins  its 

flow 
From  the  throne  of  God,  and  there  the  tree  of  life 

continues  to  grow 
On  either  bank,  and  twelve  manner  of  fruits  are 

its  monthly  yield ; 
While,  by  the  virtue  of  its  leaves  the  nations  are  to 

be  healed. 
Before  the  throne  of  God,  then,  the  plane  of  Bden 

expands ; 
And  there  to  the  eastward  that  beautiful  garden 

yet  stands; 
Where  pure  flowers  of  virtue  cluster  in  youthful 

birth, 
And  scatter  their  holy  fragrance  far  over  the 

earth 
To  awake  the  soul  of  man  to  the  touch  of  purity 

again,— 
Turn  the  affections  of  his  heart  to  that  land  from 

whence  it  first  came: 

There  virtues  ripen  into  fruits  of  the  most  re- 
splendent hue ; 


68 


Filled  with  flavors  as  pleasing  to  taste  as  the 

colors  we  view, 
Pure  sweet  fruits  of  virtue  are  the  food  angels  to 

feed, 
As  their  lives  can  only  be  filled  with  the  purest 

deed. 
If  their  thirst  be  slaked  by  any  but  dew  shed  on 

virtue's  softest  bower; 
Be  delighted  other  than  by  the  odor  of  the  most 

fragrant  flower; 
Or  their  hunger  appeas'd,  other  than  by  virtue's 

purest  flavor 
They  would  be  unable  to  execute  the  Father's 

loving  favor — 
For  if  the  food  be  not  of  the  purest  on  which  they 

feast 
It  will  alike  tincture  their  lives,  though  it  be  but 

the  least. 

The  life  that  is  not  pure  cannot  attend  the  Fath- 
er's perfect  grace, 
Nor  can  the  soul  that  is  unclean  have  a  smile  from 

His  dazzling  face. 
Yet,  Sir,  there  stands  the  tree  of  life  perpetually 

in  bloom  ; 
Sending  forth  its  beauty  and  odor  into  death's 

deepest  gloom ; 
With  power  sufficient  to  heal  the  wound  of  sin's 

deepest  dart; 
With  the  light  of  truth  to  cleanse  the  soul  and 

purify  the  heart, — 
To  annul  the  ordinances  of  hell,  which  death's 

vigil  keeps 
Over  the  soul's  sepulchre,  which  in  silent  slumber 

creeps. 

But  the  soul  by  truth  probed  and  by  mercy  clensed 
Hell  hath  no  power  to  bind  within  its  fens. 

While  Adam  enjoyed  a  reconciliation  with  the 

Father, 


All  power,  strength  and  virtue  of  humanity  in 
him  did  gather: 

He  with  a  love  single  to  the  Creator  before  whom 
he  moved; 

A  soul  congenial  to  the  sacred  precincts  in  which 
he  roved; 

With  a  knowledge  of  art  enabling  him  to  under- 
stand 

The  beauties  of  nature  as  painted  by  Heaven's 
own  hand; 

With  a  scientific  sense  of  power  true  to  under- 
stand and  find 

A  classification  of  creation  acceptable  to  God's 
mind: 

And  with  respect  to  each's  importance  and  its  use, 

Gave  them  names  in  keeping  with  their  generic 
truth; 

And,  if,  that  name  through  all  its  various  rela- 
tions, you  trace, 

There  will  find  a  true  history  of  that  creature  and 
its  race. 

And  yet,  there  is  a  name  the  mind  of  man  cannot 
peruse ; 

Nor  can  he  find  the  worth  and  beauty  God's 
powers  diffuse ; 

Yet,  man's  supremacy,  over  all  creation,  is  there 
defined, 

Which  dominion  is  due  the  empire  of  the  soul,  and 

heart,  and  mind. 

While  all  human  principles  were  united  in  Adam 
with  truth 

They  dressed  him  with  the  shining  robe  of  heav- 
en's perpetual  youth; 

Enthroned   him   within   the   shade   of   celestial 
bowers ; 

Clothed  with  the  regal  splendor  of  supernal 
powers : 

Man  sat  monarch  of  the  world,  but  not  at  rest, 

Since  the  powers  to  rule  strove  within  his  breast ; 

70 


Yet,  while  to  his  own  mind  and  desires  gave  control, 
A  realm  of  peace  and  light  before  him  began  to 

roll; 
So  continued  until  he  found  knowledge,  which 

made  him  so  wise 
That  he  found  it  easier  to  fall  than  to  continue  to 

rise. 
Sir,  here  think  with  reason's  mind  and  you  will 

see,  that  to  this  time, 

Man  was  not  only  masculine,  but  equally  fem- 
inine ; 

Here  God  seeing  fit  the  two  characters  to  divide, 
Spread  the  earth  in  which  his  generations  to  abide  ; 
And  as  in  truth  the  Holy  Writings  say, 
That  God  from  man  taken  a  rib  away  ; 
And  with  it  the  feminine  character  of  that  lordly 

man, 
Which  moulding  with  a  more  delicate  beauty  and 

tender  hand; 

A  more  feeling  heart  and  sweeter  grace  of  mind 
Than  in  other  creation  we  e'er  could  find  — 
And  Adam  no  longer  gentle  in  mind  or  tenderly 

seeing, 
Sighed  for  those  sweet  graces,  which  before  had 

so  neatly  dress'd  his  being. 
When  woman  was  presented  to  man,  in  her  he 

saw  that  beauty  of  art, 
Which  before  had  so  gently  charm'd  his  mind  and 

so  tenderly  soothed  his  heart : 
Seeing  himself  without  her,  how  incomplete  and 

how  impolite; 
Comparing  when  those  feminine  graces  were  the 

masculine  light  — 

That  while  with  God  perfect  in  soul  and  in  heart ; 
Of  man  woman  was  the  lovely  gem  of  art, 
Which  engrossed  them  in  the  Creator's  tender 

care, 
As  one,  through  holy  bonds  creating  wedded  pair : 


71 


Thus  man  does  again,  that  jewel,  so  precious  in 

his  life,  embrace, 
Which,  with  the  Father  and  angels,  secured  him 

cherished  light  of  grace. 
So  Adam  saw  that  woman  was,  yet,  as  much  of 

him  a  part, 

As  before  separated  by  creative  powers  of  art. 
Being  so  embraced  in  the  powers  of  self  love, 
Each,  for  the  other  in  this  life,  began  to  move, — 
And  they  no  longer  true  in  affection  to  God,  Life's 

Goal; 
Were  given  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  a  less  hallowed 

mould : 
They  being  more  precious  to  each  other  than  the 

real  Goal  of  Life ; 
In  selfishness  veiled  their  hearts,  and  minds,  and 

souls  to  the  true  source  of  light. 
Seeing  in  this  the  dim  disordered  light  of  man ; 
Through  time  interminable,  should  his  race  at- 
tend, 

If  permitted,  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  life,  to  taste, 
Which  purpose  is  not  to  change,  but  is  to  perpet- 
uate 
The  then  existing  state  of  the  creature  which  does 

partake. 
For  the  good  of  man  God,  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of 

life  reserved; 
Until  man  had  again  the  true  powers  of  Heaven 

observed  ; 
And  made  his  life  the  more  glorious  image  of  his 

Lord. 
Now,  hear  the  only  true  secret  of  matrimony, 

which  is  to  find 
How  the  feminine  virtues  did  first  ennoble  and 

refine  man's  mind; 

How  they  were  the  tenderest  beauties  of  his  soul ; 
Kept  his  deepest  affections  a  pure  burning  coal 
On  life's  altar,  a  shrine  of  purest  gold  ; 
Cast  with  purest  dyes  in  a  perfect  mold ; 

72 


Set  in  that  glorious  temple  not  made  by  hand, 
Prehistoric  to  the  most  ancient  day  of  man : 
Then  for  marriage  to  be  a  blessing  and  be  true 
The  parties  must  be  harmonized  in  their  ever 

view, — 
A  harmony  in  keeping  with  the  principles  and 

smiles  of  truth; 

Be  guided  by  all  availing  strength  of  love's  per- 
petual youth; 

Walk  cautiously  and  securely  in  that  narrow  way, 
Directed  by  the  knowledge  which  lights  that 

ceaseless  day; 

Let  not  the  sparks  of  life  waste  in  oblivious  night ; 
But  be  absorbed  by  the  intellect  of  purest  light  — 
'Gain  find  their  lives  with  the  Father  in  union  a 

perfect  one, 
As  were  such  before  this  flight  of  years  began  its 

course  to  run; 

In  the  joys  of  heaven  find  the  sweetest  rest; 
In  the  favors  of  life  be  securely  blest. 
The  truths  of  God  are  all  the  powers  that  have  a 

lasting  stay ; 
All  else  are  folly  riden,  alluring  from  true  path 

away; 

So  to  the  course  of  this  faltering  strand, 
The  Maker  will  ascribe  a  fitting  end, 
To  be  determined  by  influence  of  act  and  deed ; 
Till  this  flight  of  time  on  golden  wings  will  cease 

to  speed, 

Over  the  revolving  flight  of  measured  years; 
Freighted  with  the  weight  of  many  joys  and  tears. 
When  the  raging  storm  of  life  will  have  sped  its 

ceasing  gale; 
In  time's  most  distant  port,  life's  bark  lowered 

its  latest  sail; 
Then  comes  the  inspector  true  with  knowledge 

and  power  aglow 
To  set  the  cargo  on  high,  or  cast  it  in  the  depths 

below. 

73 


Since  first  the  human  race,  at  God's  command  in 

life,  began, 
Through  the  return  of  years,  in  generations,  to 

expand 

Into  cities  and  nations  from  a  roving  clan ; 
Until  the  pursuit  of  life  bound  them  by  its  span, 
It  has  been  taught  by  scriptural  truths  and  does, 

yet,  prove  true; 
While  physical  man  weakens  intellect  broadens 

its  view, — 
Then,  as  primitive  man  was  clothed  in  physical 

strength, 

So  must  the  latter  age  of  man  in  wisdom  be  spent ; 
And,  here,  a  wonderful  mystery  of  truth,  we  find, 
How  wisdom  so  exactly  supplants  the  lack  of  time ; 
As  it  spreads  before  us  the  gathered  volume  of 

truth, 
Which's  been  wrought  by  logic's  equilibrium   of 

proof  — 
Find  the  equality  of  God  in  the  might  of  power 

explain ; 
How,  through  ages  in  time  unequal,  to  man  He's 

ever  the  same; 

How  life's  shortened  exact  in  proportion  to  ad- 
vantages given 
By   experiment,    which   opens   more   truly   the 

splendors  of  heaven : 

We  find  the  exact  equality,  in  the  height  of  perfec- 
tion, to  extend 
Through  all  ages,  which  the  Creator,  in  his  wisdom, 

allotted  to  men. 
Trace  the  smallest  principles  of  truth  as  they  in 

harmony  blend; 
Through  the  elementary  world'll  find  pyramids  of 

light  ascend 

High  in  the  light  of  intellectural  day, 
Where  the  sons  of  science  cast  their  purest  ray : 
Thus  through  the  world  of  intellect  scientific 

pyramids  appear 

74 


Most  refulgent  beneath  unfaded  splendor  of  suns 
of  ceaseless  glare: 

Through  that  realm  of  intellect  are  many  pyra- 
mids and  suns  to  find, 

Which  stand  perfect  and  radiant  through  the  most 
extended  lap  of  time. 

He,  who  the  material  can  annalyze,  or  Architect's 
mind  explain, 

May  hold  converse  with  the  sons  of  genius  upon 
the  highest  seat  of  fame; 

For  he,  who  thus  ascends  a  pyramid  by  power  of 
sight, 

Constructs  for  himself  a  monument  of  pure  and 
lasting  light. 

All  these  shining  obelisks  of  science  and  suns 
which  illume  their  span 

Are  cemented  by  wisdom,  the  purest  of  the  ever- 
lasting plan, 

Into  one  grand  structure  composing  quintessence 
of  each  light  and  gem ; 

Wrought  with  the  highest  grandeur  on  which 
supreme  magnificence  attend; 

Adorn'd  by  most  exquisite  beauties  to  which 

powers  of  art  ascend. 

Wisdom's  the  source  and  splendor  of  intellectual 
day, 

Sending  forth  beams  the  brightest  of  the  ever- 
lasting ray; 

The  light  and  law  by  which  all  other  lights  were 
planned ; 

Constructed;  placed  and  rul'd  for  purposes  most 
Grand ; 

A  guide  to  inspect  true  the  mysteries  of  all  space, — 

Show  a  plan  of  usefulness  where  none  is  doomed 
to  waste, 

Save  that  to  which  the  law  of  light  be  adverse  ; 

And  cast  with  those  that  be  of  an  endless  curse : 

Wisdom  is  the  brightest  of  the  everlasting  light; 


75 


The   instructor   of   sages;  the   deadliest   foe   to 

night; 
The  light  by  which,  the  universe  in  its  purity,  God 

saw 
And  set  all  things  in  observation  of  an  unerring 

law; 
To  preserve  them  in  pristine  beauty  of  their  purest 

strength, 
That  radium-like  spreads  itself  in  light,  yet,  never 

spent; 
Enlightening   the   world   with    pure    principles, 

which  more  luminous  grow 
As  we  trace  them  toward  the  gathering  splendor 

of  majestic  awe, — 
Where  sit  the  sons  of  science,  in  audience  most 

reverent  and  profound, 
To  be  instructed  by  pure  and  perfect  intelligence 

gathering  round 
The  Foot-stool ;  where  wisdom,  the  gist  of  genius 

and  of  power, 
Proves  by  just  and  equal  laws  the  accomplishment 

of  each  hour; 
Where  time  is  authenticating  what  God  by  wisdom 

first  hath  said ; 
While  all  things  else,  in  deathly  silence,  slept  in 

a  chaotic  bed, 

Would  by  principles  of  truth  be  brought  to  pass 
From  first  spring  of  time,  even  unto  the  last. 

Sir,  the  Skeptic  you  have  in  mystery  brought 
To  where,  by  holy  logic,  he  must  be  taught 
Concerning  the  character  of  Christ,  our  Lord ; 
Given  by  the  Father  in  His  sacred  word : 
How  Christ  and  the  Father  are  one,  yet,  Christ 

be  not  God? 

If  he  be  the  Highest,  why  deny  himself  to  be  good  ? 
The  Son  of  God  of  a  truth,  Sir,  was  of  a  most 

pure     and    holy    birth; 
Possessing  highest  beauty  of  woman  —  purity  of 

human  worth; 

76 


Crown' d  with  the  light  and  beauty  of  wisdom,  and 
filled  with  the  virtues  of  truth ; 

Perfect  in  feeling  for  infirmity  of  age  and  tender- 
ness of  youth; 

Acquainted  with  the  rage  of  life  and  the  passions 
to  subdue 

Through  subjection  to  Spirit  of  Holiness,  present- 
ing to  view 

The  path  leading  to  that  mansion  finished  to 
highest  perfection  of  art, 

Which  introduces  the  Builder  to  every  affection  of 
the  heart; 

Who  yet  reigns  higher  over  the  perpetual  mansions 
of  grace; 

Gathering  souls  precious  to  His  Being  from  the 
most  remote  space ; 

Where  the  highest  beauties  of  pleasure  and  the 
sweetest  essence,  which  feed 

Purest,  deepest  hunger  of  spiritual, — intellectual 
need, 

Are  most  sumptuously  and  luxuriously  spread 

To  supply  exact  the  hunger  that  is  to  be  fed : 

And  he  who  at  that  banquet  may  feast  will  ne'er 
grow  prodigal  again ; 

But,  e'er  gather  treasures  of  excellency  from  an 

elysian  plain. 

When  Christ's   sight  was  first  met  by  the  im- 
maculate beauties  of  morn, 

Like  man  the  principles  of  his  intellect  were  but 
embryon, — 

Yet,  in  favor  with  God  and  man  he  gradually 
increased, 

Until  the  heights  of  humanity  in  perfection,  did 
reach ; 

And  there  gave  a  living  testimony  in  that  height 
he  had  rose, 

That  the  splendor  of  humanity  is  not  otherwise 
disclosed ; 


77 


But  in  that  highness,  where  humanity  and  godli- 
ness become  one; 
Where  doubtful  hopes  are  lost,  and  where  perfect 

love  and  confidence  begun; 
Where  ignorance,   the  deepest  darkness,  is  ex- 
pelled by  purity  of  light, 
And  man  is  made  to  see  and  feel,  by  the  power  of 

Heaven's  perfect  sight, 
The  true  glory  of  all  creation  shining  in  its  perfect 

glow; 
With  a  smile  for  every  pleasure ;  a  sigh  for  every 

woe. 
Christ's  temptations,  in  all  things  in  the  extreme, 

can  only  be  defined, 
Which  were  presented,  in  tastefulness  more  full 

than  fancies  of  the  mind; 
To  the  highest  passion  of  pride,  or  love  for  lordly 

sway, 
Which  darkens  hell  into  most  miserable  woeful 

day; 
Alluring  by  sensual  pleasures  through  a  region 

without  way, 
Into  a  yawning  chasm  as  dismal  and  dark  as  once 

it  was  gay ; 

Which  were  met  on  equal  footing  by  a  soul  human- 
like, 
Whose  guide  was  wisdom,  a  weapon  to  conquer 

moral  strife ; 
Whose  support  was  Christian  virtues,  a  power 

that  never  fails 
To  land  the  ship  in  safety,  no  matter  what  oppose 

her  sails. 
A  Being,  who  knew  celestial  riches,  future  wealth 

to  gain 
By  making  most  precious  to  the  soul  Thing  of 

loftiest  fame. 
In  the  Son  of  God  human  virtues  attained  their 

highest  degree, 


78 


Which  were  perfect  unto  godliness  through  that 

peace  that  ever  be 
To  waft  us  heavenward  over  the  bosom  of  the 

calmest  sea; 
Where  no  hideous  monsters  unseen  lurk  to  give 

frightful  currents  play; 
But  the  breeze  balmiest  of  the  balmy  and  life 

gayest  of  the  gay: 
Then  since  humanity  in  its  highness  is  a  part  of 

godliness  made, 
Which  is  not  all  of  godliness,  but  for  a  just  and 

holy  purpose  staid 
With  that  most  glorious  Being  where  the  strength 

of  every  truth  is  laid : 
If  the  life  and  character  of  Christ  in  godliness  be 

absorbed, 
Then  he  and  the  Father  must  be  one  as  asserted 

by  his  word ; 
Just  as  we  rightly  say  the  chest  and  body  compose 

but  one, 
The  chest  be  not  all  the  body,  so  be  the  Father 

and  Son. 
Christ's  life  may  be  said  to  gather,  acorn-like, 

virtues'  purest  essence  known; 
Set  in  humanity's  truest  heart  rose  in  tow'ring 

heights  to  brighter  dome, 
Through  the  light  of  celestial  knowledge  where 

the  day  is  never  old; 
Bowing,  in  that  most  splendid  City,  before  One 

of  purest  soul. 
He,  who  has  tasted  the  pleasures,  or  felt  the  light 

of  supernal  day, 
Confesses  goodness  alone' s  of  the  Father,  nor  hath 

another  way. 
The  Son,  who  knew  the  perfect  light ;  the  Father's 

greatness  to  adore, 
Could  only  say  there  is  but  One  Good ;  no  matter 

who  might  deplore, — 


79 


Wish  for  contention  or  division  in  that  most  regal 

power, 
Where  two  Beings  of  equal  splendor  might  seek 

men  as  a  dower; 
Not  because  of  a  desire,  the  divine  virtues,  to 

impart 
To  man,  that  purify  the  soul,  the  light  of  the  mind 

and  heart ; 
That  calleth  men  in  loving  joy  to  a  land  of  purest 

bliss,— 
Leave  them  that  wish  a  division  to  sink  into 

deepest  mist: 
But,  that  they  might,  under  guile  of  falsehood, 

gather  to  Them  courtier-like ; 
Through   adulation   change  intellectual   day  to 

ignomin'ous  night. 
Then,  since  goodness  be  a  unit,  and  so  will  ever 

stand, 
Man  must  gather  unto  goodness,  not  goodness 

unto  man. 
If  holiness  gather'd  unto  man,  there  would  be  a 

degrading  law; 
While  holiness  would  suffer  evil  and  leave  man 

to  no  better  grow  — 
Since  One  of  perfect  holiness  alone  is  a  rising 

force, 
Man,  who  seeks  the  Fountain  of  Goodness,  must 

gather  to  that  source; 
And  drink  freely  of  that  pure  flowing  stream  that 

crystallyzes  the  soul ; 
Makes  the  heart  a  perfect  diamond  set  in  a  mind 

of  purest  mold. 

There  is  no  good,  Sir,  save  such  as  from  the  Fa- 
ther's highest  honor  grows: 
All  else  fade  in  deathly  dark  under  influence  of 

infernal  laws. 
Then,  if  man  loveth  not  the  good  and  the  light  of 

virtue's  brightest  gem 


80 


He  cannot  to  purest  precincts  of  life  and  intel- 
ligence ascend; 
In  the  light  of  majestic  grandeur  of  the  most  holy 

laws, 
Holding  all  things  in  the  light  and  nature  of  the 

truth  it  shows : 
As  is  said,  "  None  is  good,"  save  Him  by  holy 

virtues  keep 

Calmly  still  the  serene  current  of  perpetual  peace ; 
Flowing  over  the  smooth  billows  of  the  celestial 

deep; 
Where  souls,  in  shallops  to  the  highest  purest 

taste  of  pleasure  form'd, 
In  softest  breezes,  sweetly  glide  o'er  bosom  of 

eternal  calm. 
Christ,  who  was  perfect  and  just  in  all  his  life 

and  ways ; 
Possessing  a  spirit  that  keeps  pure  through  endless 

days, 

Was  tinctured  not  by  sin  or  lust, 
Though  foully  laid  beneath  the  dust ; 
Who,  without  sin,  became  sin  for  man  through 

sympathetic  ties, 
That  holds  humanity  in  life  of  that  Being  who 

ne'er  dies; 

Suffering  the  deepest  shame,  and  bearing  the  dis- 
grace of  the  cross; 
Paving  way  to  that  garden  humanity,  in  distance, 

had  lost, 
Which  yet  bears  a  reflection  in  the  light  of  the 

mind, 
As  we  look  through  mist  of  years  to  beginning  of 

time; 
A  way  mystified  by  human  doubts  and  waste  of 

falling  tears 
Is  more  obstructive  to  spiritual  sight  than  manly 

fears. 
While  on  the  cross  he,  life's  deepest  agonies,  bore ; 


81 


Man  heartlessly  pierced  his  side  for  the  healing 

gore; 

And  did  a  sacred  gift  to  earth  his  blood  outpour: 
He  approached  in  bitterness  the  darkening  door, — 
While  entering  gave  a  cry  of  deepest  distress, 
As  closed  o'er  him  the  bitterest  horrors  of  death : 
While  the  powers  of  death  contended  with  those 

of  life, 
The  universe  quaked  with  vengeance  in  that  hour 

of  strife; 

As  death  received  her  victim  in  agony  of  pain, 
The  innermost  veil  of  the  temple  was  rent  in  twain ; 
As  the  Father  saw  the  son's  soul  in  the  lowest  hell 

laid; 
And  man  consign  his  body  to  the  keeping  of  the 

grave, 
There  nature  hid  her  face  in  mourning's  deepest 

shade ; 

As  in  agony  sustain'd  jar  that  sin  had  made; 
And  she  unveil'd  not  her  face  nor  smiled  again, 

until  Christ  confined,  she  saw 
By  all  bars  of  death  and  hell,  to  spirits  bound, 

peaching  the  redeeming  law ; 
That  death  and  hell  hath  no  power  to  bind  the 

just  and  true; 
That  they  would  soon  obey  and  recognize  the 

Father  too: 

So  remained  in  bondage  until  day  the  third, 
When  God's  demand  for  his  release  should  be 

heard. 

The  devil  setting  all  his  powers  to  bind  and  guard ; 
Stood  boldly  defying  the  Father's  holy  sacred 

word: 

So  again  contended  the  powers  of  life  and  death, 
As  is  said,  while  the  Roman  Soldiers  in  qui'tness 

slept. 
All  forces  of  Heaven  and  hell  did  with  vengeance 

quake 


82 


As  God  by  truth  the  powers  and  bars  of  hell  did 

break, — 

Left  the  soul  free  to  rise  to  the  spirit's  high  plain, 
That  believed  and  trusted  in  the  Father's  pure 

name, — 
Leaving  the  devil  with  his  own  who  could  no 

longer  bind 
An  immortal  soul  by  hope  to  higher  regions  con- 

sign'd. 

All  things  opposing  the  resurrection  of  Christ  back- 
ward did  roll, 

As  his  body  was  quickened  by  the  light  of  the  im- 
mortal soul; 

The  body  arose  in  the  pleasure  and  light  of  love ; 
In  the  grandeur  of  beauty  and  meekness  of  a 

dove  — 
And  angels  remained  to  inform  those  who  might 

seek 

Of  the  resurrection  of  him  who  was  so  meek ; 
Who  wore  the  splendor  of  regality  supreme, 
Whom  man  had  condemned  as  being  groveling 

and  mean; 
Because  he  was  content  in  humanity's  lowest 

state 
To  serve  the  Father's  will, — his  blessings  patiently 

await ; 
That  all  things  might  rise  to  the  Being  they 

praise 

To  live  in  His  glory  through  infinite  days. 
His  abhorrence  for  riches  and  luxurious  ease, 
Which  close  man's  eyes,  heart  and  soul  to  the 

light  he  should  see; 

His  love  for  humanity  in  its  feebleness  wrought 
Shameful  derision  and  mock'ry  from    the    rich 

it  brought ; 

Because  he  labored  in  love  to  strengthen  the  poor 
Society  cast  him  out  and  then  barred  its  door, 
Saying,  you  must  accept  us  if  you  would  here 

abide, 

83 


Otherwise  you  must  eternally  remain  outside ; 
What  would  society  be,  if  we  forsake  its  pride  ? 
But  to  labor  it  means  for  Christ  to  remain  inside. 
Christ  being  free  from  all  things  that  could 

hinder  or  bind ; 
There  bieng  nothing  so  secret  but  what  he  could 

find 

Its  exact  purpose,  its  form,  its  rise,  and  its  plan, 
As  it  effects  purity  in  the  life  of  man : 
Thus  he  entered  the  chambers  where  secret  bars 

kept  guard, 

While,  not  a  foot-fall  the  watches  of  silence  dis- 
turbed ; 
So  he  ever  is  present,  a  standard  our  lives  to 

judge, 
And  will,  in  the  end,  all  the  secrets  of  man's  life 

divulge. 
God  seeing  in  his  son  how  hard  each  temptation 

to  overcome 
Left  this  propitiation  for  all,  and  His  grace  denied 

to  none ; 
But  would  give  power  to  each  who,  through  the 

humanity  of  Christ,  would  seek 
The  perfection  of  Him  who  holds  empire  o'er  the 

realm  of  infinite  deep : 
Who  stamped  each  soul  with  His  image,  the  coin 

of  love ; 

So  to  make  them  current  in  the  market  above ; 
And,  if  truly  observed  unto  that  image,  the  stamp 

of  the  coin, 
From  a  communication  with  wisdom  you  no  one 

can  disjoin  ; 

But,  will  ever  be  to  you  a  medium  of  exchange 
To  pass  you  from  mortality  to  Eden's  joys  again. 
There  was  a  pure  principle  in  humanity  from  be 

ning  of  time ; 
Existing  first  in  chaos,  but  e'er  being  manifest  in 

soul  and  mind ; 


84 


As  this  principle,  through  ages,  gathered  in  per- 
fect form  and  soul 

To  it,  perfection  of  humanity  by  the  Spirit,  was 
told, 

Would  be  gathered  to  the  Father  in  the  person  of 
His  son, 

Which  the  Creator  ordained  before  earth's  foun- 
dation begun ; 

And,  as  we  trace  true  enlightenment  through  all 
the  annals  of  man, 

We  find  in  the  gathering  of  that  principle  pure 
knowledge  expand ; 

And  those  in  whose  lives  such  gathering  was  most 
clear  and  most  prevalent ; 

In  searching  useful  knowledge,  with  their  history 
most  time  must  be  spent. 

Those  with  whom  that  principle  abode  God's  Holy 
Spirit  commun'd, 

Conducting  them  in  peace  and  qui'tness  to  their 
rest  within  the  tomb ; 

Where  truth,  though  profoundly  silent,  holds 
sacred  their  dust  and  bone, — 

Until  their  Saintly  Spirits  return  to  guide  them  to 
their  home. 

The  patriarchs  and  saints  of  old  are  they  who 
Christ's  lineage  bore 

From  Adam  until  made  perfect  unto  the  Father 
ever  more. 

Of  that  principle,  we  find  God  mindful,  from  the 
most  distant  day ; 

And  while  with  Noah  He  preserved  it  in  a  most 
glorious  way ; 

He  bore  him  upward  and  safely  o'er  tempest  of  the 
mightiest  deep, 

While  all  man's  long  boasted  works  and  false  wis- 
dom were  wasted  in  the  sweep : 

Again  we  find  Him  mindful,  when  Isaac,  a  proffer- 
ed sacrifice, 


85 


Upon  Moriah's  brow,  lay  bound,  a  helpless  victim 

to  the  knife : 
Again  we  find  Him  mindful,  when  from  Egyptian 

bondage  led 
The  lineage  of  that  principle  that  entered  for  gift 

of  bred : 
Again  we  find  Him  mindful,  when  captive  led  to 

Babylon's  wall, 
Which  mindfulness  broke  power  of  empire  and  let 

the  mighty  fall. — 
So  that  principle  we  ever  find,  when  contending 

for  the  right, 
Leading  to  victory,  general  and  valor  of  human 

might; 

That  principle  led  Isr'el  captive  to  foreign  land 
To  serve  a  day  of  penance  before  the  Holy  Man.  — 
Never,  while  idolaters  served  an  image  drawn 
To  represent  the  Deity  through  ages  down, 
Did  that  principle  bow  to  worship  idols  in  God's 

stead, 
Or  from  fear  in  honor  to  them  bow  a  reverent 

head; 

But  always  led  humanity  to  see  the  better  way, 
To  recognize  the  good,  and  to  answer  the  evil  nay. 
That  principle  in  its  gathering  dictated  to  man 

the  law 
From  perpetual  fount  of  reason,  whence  all  ruling 

powers  flow ; 
Producing  justice  and  equity  under  pure  colors  by 

which  they  shine, 
Which  are  a  joy  to  the  soul,  an  elegance  and  a 

splendor  to  man-kind ; 
Law  as  a  mathematical  system  to  solve  on  eternal 

day 
The  origin  of  man's  being,  as  the  mist  of  age  is 

rolled  away ; 
And  God  see  more  glorious  and  splendid  through 

eternity  of  time ; 


86 


And  see  perfection  of  perfections  in  the  origin  of 

the  mind. 
First  we  find  that  principle  the  only  seat  of  human 

bliss ; 
The  pure  heart  of  humanity  gathering  from  out 

the  mist, 
The  essence  of  all  the  beauty  and  the  worth  it 

owned, 

Until  in  person  and  soul,  a  perfect  man  was  form- 
ed— 

Which  quickened  to  life  by  a  like  essence  of  spirit- 
ual truth, 
Was  perpetuated  unto  God  in  tenderness  of  its 

youth. 
Then,  in  such  a  being,  was  there  imperfection, 

fault,  or  sin  to  be  found ; 
Where  flesh  was  perfected  unto  soul,  and  soul  unto 

spiritual  bond  ? 
This  was  the  being  who  endured  the  scorns  of 

man; 

Served  a  life  of  truth  and  will  eternally  stand, 
As  the  way  to  heavenly  mansions  from  this  world 

of  sin  ; 
And  he,  who  accepts  not  that  way,  can  nowhere 

enter  in ; 

For,  from  man  to  God,  there  is  way  but  one, 
Which  way's  through  the  perfection  of  His  Son, — 
For  which  perfection,  man  must  deny  himself  and 

accept  as  his  own, 
For  not  another  life  or  being  can  ever  to  the  Father 

come. 
To  coming  of  Christ,  'lone  to  Isr'el,  could   man 

look  for  saving  grace ; 
For  to  which  time  and  for  which  purpose  the  Jews 

were  a  chosen  race. — 
After  Christ's  work  on  earth  was  finished  the  law 

and  the  prophets  found  their  end ; 
After  which  the  Jews  were  no  longer  chosen,  but 

became  as  other  men : 

87 


But,  for  which  cause  the  skeptic  doubts  that  such 

a  being  e'er  hath  been ; 
For  which  cause  the  Jew  will  not  believe  that  he 

is  as  other  men. 
In  splendor  of  highest  perfection,  now  Christ  is 

ascended  unto  God, 
But,  for  man's  cleansing  left  on  earth  the  power  of 

his  all  atoning  blood ; 
Through  which  atoning  and  perfection  is  power 

to  draw 
All  men  unto  him  at  the  seat  of  God's  majestic 

law, — 
Where  in  perfect  splendor  and  pure  glory;  while 

cycling  time  ne'er  will  pose, 
The  highest  seraphs' 11  sing  his  victory  counting 

dust  from  whence  he  rose ; 
Til  the  pure  spirit  of  all  music  in  holiness  join 

them; 
While  Heaven's  shining  host  thus  proclaim  the 

praise  that  ne'er  shall  end. 
From  the  lime  that  Christ  first  arose  in  triumph 

from  the  depths  of  morbid  woe, 
In  spiritual  grandeur,  he  to  his  disciples  did  him- 
self disclose, — 
While  to  the  heights  of  celestial  glory  not  yet  as- 

scended ; 

Yet,  the  imperial  host  of  heaven  with  him  attend- 
ed: 
As  he,  in  light  of  highest  principles  that  humanity, 

e'er  can  wear, 
Was  viewed  by  his  followers  until  he  in  brighter 

day  did  disappear, — 
When  beyond  (where  in  human  weakness  might 

fall  'way),  securely  asscended, 
The  comforting  joy  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  believers 

descended ; 
And  join'd  by  them  who  have  their  home  beyond 

this  vale  of  human  weakness ; 


88 


Where  all  most  sweetly  move  in  the  gentle  flow  of 

perpetual  gladness : 
And  moved  by  music  precisely  fitted  to  proclaim 

the  glad  joys  of  day, 
Which  hold  eternally  a  vernal  feeling  purer  than 

flowers  of  May ; 
So  on  Christ  rises  through  joys  purer, — joined  by 

music  sweeter  still, 
Until  is  seated  on  the  summit  of  the  Father's  holy 

will; 
Where  beauty,  elegance,  sublimity  in  grandeur  of 

their  highest  state 
Fade  before  those  more  wondrous  beauties  that 

robe  the  One  of  purest  taste. 
In  that  robe  is  a  color  holding  ideal  affection  of 

each  thing, 
And  thus  the  homage  of  all  the  universe  does  to 

Him  forever  cling. 

The  throne  whereon  the  Father's  seated  is  sus- 
tain'd  by  truth  of  all  that  sway ; 
And  all  there  is  which  does  not  honor,  but  oppose, 

of  itself'll  fade  away. 
Before  the  throne  extends  a  perpetual  mansion, 

but  not  made  by  hand ; 
And  the  power,  which  supports  the  throne,  will 

cause  it  to  eternally  stand : 
That  mansion  is  more  spacious  than  all  ocean, 

earth  and  air ; 
Curtained  by  colors,  which  are  pure  to  all  light 

that  is  fair ; 
Nor  containing  anything  that'd  bring  the  faintest 

shadow  play; 
But  pure  in  colors,  which  beautify  light  of  the 

purest  ray. 
All  beauty  has  its  perfection  in  the  Father, — 

there's  ever  staid, 

Was  wrought  in  its  purest  blending  when  the  eter- 
nal throne  was  made ; 


89 


But,  beauty  is  not  alone  in  the  things,  which  sight 

to  the  mind  reveals ; 
The  grander  beauties  are  in  light  of  wisdom  that 

to  the  soul  appeals : 

If  with  God  be  principles  which  are  purest,  wis- 
dom and  virtue  are  these ; 
For  beauty  which  eyes  behold  seem  ascribed  to 

visible  forms,  plants  and  trees. 
Then  since  the  soul  is  made  to  feel  what  the  mind 

reflects  or  the  eyes  may  see ; 
So  in  their  pureness  virtue,  beauty  and  light  in 

that  mansion  all  agree : 
There  all  hunger  and  thirst  are  supplied  exact  by 

what  is  just  to  seek, 
Which' s  so  complete,  its  fullness  is  not  expressable 

by  human  speech. 
The  thing  there  of  least  beauty  is  more  splendid 

than  all  this  world  would  make ; 
Thing  of  least  worth  the  accumulated  wealth  of 

earth  woud  not  effect : 
There  is  where  the  riches  of  all  nations  their  final 

place  is  said  will  find, 
Which  are  not  what  men  hold  most  dear,  but  the 

fruit  of  virtuous  soul  and  mind. 
Why  Christ,  to  the  heights  of  all  perfection,  has 

thus  attain' d ; 

That  position  in  God's  glory  will  forever  retain, 
Is  a  question  deep  and  serious,  but,  if  in  wisdom 

pondered  well 
To  the  heart  that  is  pure  and  faithful,  this  deepest 

truth  to  it  will  tell; 
That  Christ's  Spirit  from  there  was  permitted  to 

descend  to  man's  lowest  state, 
Which  quicken' d  purest  essence  of  humanity  to 

share  man's  common  fate. 

When  his  work  was  finish' d,  he  was  placed  in  low- 
est depths  of  infernal  space ; 

Where  the  Demon  Ruler  himself  had  feared  to  en- 
ter,— yet,  his  steps  to  trace, — 

90 


From  there  ascended,  not  to  the  lowest,  but  hu- 
manity's highest  state ; 
Left  proof  that,  for  what's  acceptable  unto  God, 

there's  no  unholy  place. 
When  before  and  after  death  he  did,  with  all  his 

powers  for  man,  atone, 
He  to  heaven  ascended  with  victory  of  all  that's 

beneath  the  throne, — 
And  the  Father  with  him  seated,  on  the  throne 

to  ever  dwell ; 
Saying,  whereas  I  sent  you  all  things  you  have 

accomplished  well ; 

And  here  with  me,  over  all  that  is  ancient,  or  mod- 
ern, or  yet  to  be, 
I  will  give  you  supremacy, — glory  of    light, — joy 

of  eternal  ease ; 
And  with  My  own  glory  crown  you  for  the  great 

victory  you  have  won ; 
To  all  who  may  behold  you,  be  more  dazzling  than 

the  radiant  sun : 

In  time,  from  space,  expel  all  other  light  and  law ; 
Leave  no  other  source  to  seek,  or  from  whence  to 

draw. 

With  me  your  immortal  Spirit  hath  ever  been  ; 
Your  human  form,  gathered  glory  of  ancient  man  : 
Save  for  Myself  and  all  attending  crew,  for  man  is 

made  the  highest  state  ; 
And  a  way  for  him  is  paved  from  the  most  infernal 

depth  to  heaven's  gate, 
Which  will  open  to  all  whom  the  Father's  goodness 

to  that  entrance  won, 
But,  all  other  ways  lead  to  a  point,  where  there  is 

place  to  enter  none. 
In  that  mansion  wisdom  holds  the  key  that  |un- 

locks  the  door, 
Where  pure  knowledge  and  perfect  understanding 

are  in  store 
For  all  who  seek  them  as  a  gift  precious  from 

above, 

91 


Given  as  a  favor  of  the  Father's  perfect  love, 
Which  introduces  the  highest  Author  of  beauty  to 

the  soul  of  man  ; 
Acquainting  him  with  each  principle,  a  unit  and 

variegated  plan : 
Wisdom  is  also  the  light  that  holds  the  secrets  of 

the  realm  of  truth, 
Where  virtue,  justice  and  equity  are  associated 

in  youth ; 
Wisdom  also  holds  honor,  riches  and  glory  in 

bounty  of  her  hand, 

Which  she  gives  as  a  merit  according  as  God  reck- 
ons the  deeds  of  man : 

By  wisdom  the  raiment  of  the  Most  High  is  select- 
ed and  made  ; 
By  her  the  pure  sparkling  jewels  in  His  crown  are 

fittingly  laid ; 
By  her  that  raiment  is  fitted  with  exactness  so  to 

show 
From  whence  the  perfection  of  all  things  begin  to 

weel  and  flow ; 
By  her  that  crown  is  set  over  the  mind  and  visage 

most  clear, 
Since  purest   dignity  and   most  dazzling   glory 

gather  there, 
Man's  raiment's  all  the  beauty  of  nature  purified 

by  celestial  light ; 
Under  the  inspection  of  the  Father  by  wisdom's, 

pure  and  perfect  sight, 
Which  augments  in  brighter  glories,  as  is  nearer 

drawn  to  Him, 
The  soul  that  sought  and  found  in  Him  a  life  pure 

from  taint  of  sin : 
The  food  man's  soul  to  feed  is  sweeter  and  is  purer 

made, 
As  he  gathers  where  virtue's  most  glorious  worth 

is  staid. 
As  man  rises  to  higher  realms  courser  principles 

of  his  soul  are  lost; 

92 


Like  gold  is  made  purer  and  more  precious  as  it  is 

being  freed  from  dross : 
Yet,  the  soul  of  man  will  be  somewhat  base, 

through  the  endless  day  that  runs, 
If  compared  to  Him  whose  glory  far  exceeds  the 

brightness  of  the  sun : 
Man's  pursuit  of  gain  will  be  to  gather  full  that 

virtuous  goal, 
Which  makes  more  rich,  and  which  makes  more 

pure  the  augmenting  wealth  of  soul : 
Man's  pursuit  of  knowledge  will  be  to  understand 

and  know 
How  full,  and  how  rich  those  most  precious  gifts 

can  rise  and  grow. 
For  four  thousand  years,  since  first  this  flight  of 

time  began ; 
And  during  four  thousand  years  from  the  advent 

of  man, 
Wisdom  was  cautious  and  prudent  to  gather  well 

and  true ; 
And  to  carry  safely  down  the  hurrying  years  that 

flew, 
That  lordly  principle  and  personage  of  the  human 

race, 
Which  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God  in  all  things  kept 

pure  and  chaste ; 
Until  humanity  in  its  essence  was  perfect  made 

and  purified ; 
Adorned  with  beauty  and  glory  such  as  befitted  a 

celestial  bride, — 
Who,  after  fully  serving  humanity  in  all  things 

that  make  it  blest, 

Rises  through  colloquial  scenes  to  serenity  of  ce- 
lestial rest, — 
Made  Vice- Regent  in  power  and  glory  to  One 

Eternal  and  Supreme, 
Whose  dominion  is  through  all  space,  o'er  each 

body  heavenly  or  terrene. 


God,  the  Most  High,  over  all   things  has   rule, 

and  by  them  thus  esteem'd ; 
With  Him  their  first  beauty  and  true  glore  e'er 

are  kept  pure  and  clean, — 
Then,  all  who  would  seek  to  know  the  highest 

state  to  them  assigned, 
By  truth  and  wisdom,  must  seek  it  in  scope  of 

that  perfect  mind ; 
And  through  the  principles,  by  which  that  state 

is  formed, 
Ascend  its  heights  and  prove  their  right  by  them 

adorned : 
For  all  your  joys  and  all  your  glory  acclaim  to 

God  the  praise ; 
From  thence  view  the  Father's  glories,  riches  of 

eternal  days, — 
Through  day  interminable  these  glories  will  with 

new  beauty  glow, 

As  wisdom  adds  to  the  mind  a  light  of  a  more  re- 
fulgent flow. 
Man's  soul  will  gather  the  pure  principles,  which 

enrich  the  ether 'al  plain ; 

Yet,  purer  beauties,  richer  treasures,  higher  glo- 
ries, for  the  soul  remain. 

While  man's  soul  is  purer  made,  and  is  thus  sus- 
tain'd  in  upward  flight, 
His  sight  is  freed  from  gloom  of  age  and  passes  on 

through  brighter  light 
Toward  where  youth's  first  beauties,  in  highest 

state,  set  forever  unchanged, 
Whose  age  is  wisdom  abounding  with  knowledge 

of  time  no  date  has  named. 
No  soul  has  e'er  lower  sank,  or  to  higher  plane 

arose 
Than  the  realm  of  the  principles,  that  do  that 

soul  compose. 
Man's  soul's  destin'd  to  rise  as  it  absorbs  principles 

of  eternal  light  ; 


94 


Thus  being  freed  from  each  shade  of  night,  it  con- 
stantly wings  its  silent  flight 

Through  increasing  splendor  and  rising  glory  of  a 
more  radiant  day ; 

Yet   teeming  with   more   magnificent   beauties, 
paleing  before  purer  ray; 

While,  through  time  interminable,  and  eternity 
continues  its  roll, 

These  augmenting  beauties  and  riches  will  con- 
tinue to  the  mind  and  soul : 

Then  since  the  mind  and  soul  of  man,  in  grandeur 
seeking,  can  know  no  bound ; 

Neither  can  the  perfection  of  eternal  glories  by 
man  be  found ; 

But,  if,  with  perfection  of  beauty,  man  seeks  to 
enrich  his  soul ; 

His  only  knowledge  be  to  understand  the  source 
of  wisdom's  goal, 

He  must  ascend  in  upward  flight  through  time 
sempiternal ; 

Unceasingly  bathe  his  mind  and  soul  in  light  su- 
pernal ; 

Must  forever  be  a  pilgrim  in  an  aerial  way; 

Ever  nearing  the  source  that  supplies  light  of  ce- 
lestial day. 

The  soul,  to  each  realm  through  which  it  passes, 
must  be  congenial  made ; 

And  only  thus,  to  a  more  lofty  realm,  a  foundation 
can  be  laid : 

And  as  we  slowly  rise  to  those  realms,  that  so 
distant  are, 

Our  souls  grow  more  pregnant  with  the  light  of 
celestial  fire, 

Which  pregnancy  can  ne'er  in  time  accomplish, 
or  in  fullness  mature ; 

But  to  ever  expand  in  greatness,  and  in  principle 

grow  more  pure. 

Then  since  Christ  has  safely  passed   from  the 
highest  to  the  lowest  realm ; 

95 


Conquering  and  subjecting  each  force  that  sought 

his  soul  to  o'erwhelm; 
Thus  experiencing  the  influence  each  evil  in  life 

can  sway ; 
Knows  weight  of  accumulated  woes  of  hell,  what 

each  obscures  from  day ; 
So  he  knows  precisely  the  punishment  each  sin  is 

due, — 
How  the  Almighty  in  his  judgment  set  each  thing 

so  true : 
That  it  is  impossible  for  an  error,  by  His  justice, 

to  be  made, 
Since  a  reckoning  of  each  principle  by  the  poise  of 

His  scale  is  laid, 
Which  scale  will  not  wear  by  use  or  vary  through 

length  of  time ; 
Because  its  poise  is  kept  by  equal  powers  of  God's 

mind. 
So  Christ  has  stood  in  the  nethermost  depths,  there 

felt  and  saw-tried, 
In  the  scale  of  God's  justice,  weight  of  all  power 

deep  and  wide ; 
There  saw,  prevailing  o'er  infernal  woes,  power  of 

Almighty  Love ; 
Also  noting  the  weight  and  gloom  of  each  realm, 

in  his  ascent  above. 
With  the  Father  he  reigns  o'er  all  things,  with 

victory  triumphantly  crown'd; 
Robed  with  perfection  of  all  principles,  as  well 

their  strength  and  beauty  bound : 
Bearing  in  his  soul  and  mind  perfect  knowledge  of 

each  sin-inflicted  woe ; 
Also  the  mark  of  every  wound  dealt  to  truth  by 

sin's  vindictive  blow : 
When  a  mortal  soul  appeals  to  God  for  relief  from 

each  infesting  ill, 
Then  these  wounds  are  shown  and  knowledge  pled 

to  present  what  mortals  cannot  tell ; 


So  nearest  God  these  feelings  come,  since  they're 
not  of  Him  part ; 

But  through  the  love  He  bears  His  Son    they 
touch  His  inmost  heart : 

Thus  through  grace  a  soul  is  freed  from  sin,  when 
relief  is  sought  aright  ; 

From  gloom  of  sin  and  darkness  turned  to  heav'n 
in  peace  of  silent  flight : 

The  mind  and  the  soul  are  purged  from  sin,  and 
charged  with  light  pure  shining  ; 

Unlike  the  course  pursued  before,  strength  of  last- 
ing truth  imbibing — 

Drawn  by  force  of  understanding  into  the  current 
of  augmenting  peace, 

Whose  purity  will  in  richness  of  principle  unceas- 
ingly increase  ; 

While  purer  essence  of  truth  in  grander  lights  are 
more  fittingly  blended ; 

Virtues  more  dazzling  grow  as  majesty  of  God  is 
nearer  ascended ; 

Each  moment  the  soul  is  born  anew  to  more  last- 
ing principles  of  youth ; 

The  heart  more  virtuous  made  by  increasing  light 

of  all  availing  truth. 

When  from  this  mortal  sphere,  in  light  of  truth, 
we  upward  fly, 

We  bid  farewell  to  kindred  feelings  of  a  fleshly  tie ; 

By  the  most  Holy  Spirit  of  truth  begot  and  of  wis- 
dom born ; 

Until,  in  fraternal  love,  freed  from  rage  of  passion's 
ruling  storm ; 

In  a  progressive  brotherhood,   flowing  into  the 
lasting  calm  of  youth, 

We  nearer,  in  bliss  of  soul,  the  gathering  splendors 
of  eternal  truth. 

As  we  pass  to  more  perfect  light,  as  if  from  tint  of 
shade, 

Thus  we  pass  to  more  youthful  states,  as  if  from 
gloom  of  age. 

97 


In  passing  to  youth  we  must  slowly  pass  from  age 

to  age; 
But,  in  passing  to  light  we  leave  behind  the  realm 

of  shade : 

Where  we  find  perpetual  youth  we  also  find  an- 
cient of  days ; 
But,  in  the  source  of  light  we  find  vanished  all 

influence  of  shades. 

In  God's  throne  we  find  beauty's  external  per- 
fections in  purity  combine 
Paying  homage  to  more  excellent  majesty,  which 

their  beauty  incline ; 
For  He,  who  sits  on  the  throne  possesses  majesty 

far  more  excellent, 
Beyond  the  wonders  of  the  throne,  than  beauty's 

charms,  in  that  structure,  are  spent. 
Then,  if  the  throne  be  the  crowning  beauty  of  all 

things  which  God  did  create  ; 
To  find  majestic  beauties  which  crown  His  Being 

is  beyond  reach  of  date : 
To  crown  a  mind  so  excellent,  a  heart  so  free,  a 

soul  so  pure 
Is  a  malady  to  human  mind  beyond  its  power  to 

cure — 
But,  if  we  cast  aside  our  frailties,  and  trust  that 

power  divine, 
A  healing  balm  will  be  those  beauties  through  a 

never  ending  time. 
Then,  since  ignorance,  the  chief  of  maladies  to  the 

human  mind,  be ; 
Its  cure's  the  power  of  truth  shed  by  resplendent 

light  of  purity : 
For  such  cure  to  be  effective,  there  must  be  in  the 

soul  a  spark  divine, 
Which  gathers  most  full  and  free  that  virtuous 

light,  the  strength  of  the  heart  and  mind ; 
That  light  is  such  by  which  we  see,  comprehend, 

know  and  understand : 


98 


Reveals  universal  mist'ries  to  faculties  of  erring 

man; 
Arouses  the  dormant  soul  by  expelling  the  mist 

that  o'er  it  holds  sway  ; 

Strenthens  life's  powers  with  intellectual  splen- 
dors of  eternal  day. 
Indulge  the  Skeptic  another  question,  and   but 

this, 
What  produced  the  grandeur  of  the  joys  of  Eden's 

•     bliss? 
Why  to  man  consigned  the  riches  and  beauties  of 

that  blissful  scene, 
But,  not  permitted  to  abide  the  pleasures  of  its 

youthful  green  ? 

What's  Paradise  or  heaven,  if  this  be  not  it? 
Or  is  the  soul  of  man,  for  greater  pleasures,  fit? 
While  man  lived  in   due   obedience   to    God's 

most  holy  laws ; 
Resigned  the  right  to  Him  who  knows  the  source 

of  every  cause 
To  cast  by  truth  of  wisdom's  light  the  lot  of  each 

deed 
To  its  goal,  where  the  force  of  such  act  doth  bear 

in  speed : 
While  love  of  truth  and  reconciliation,  man  to 

God's  pure  highness,  led, — 
In  peace  repos'd, — his  head  pressed  the  softest 

pillow, — his  soul  the  downiest  bed : 
While  man  and  all  things  else  kept  the  state  of 

their  created  lot, — 

Their  ev'ry  act  producing  one  universal  bliss  with- 
out blot ; 
No  evil  thought  or  meditated  wrong  perform' d 

through  vengeful  act  or  deed ; 
Finding  most  good  in  universal  bliss, — receiving 

full  heav'n's  promis'd  meed, — 
Eden  and  her  epoch,  then  was  that  day  of  created 

bliss, 


99 


When  all  things  conformed  to  the  will  of  God 

without  amiss ; 
When  from  man  no  joy  was  withheld  on  charge  or 

for  fault  of  sin ; 
No  knowledge  fait 'ring,  or  power  of  sight  with 

tears  growing  dim ; 
No  wrong  to  judge,  no  vain  pride  to  humble  or 

abate, 

But  all  to  reward  with  gifts  of  an  exalted  state. 
All  things  were  created  to   supply   some   just 

need  of  man ; 
Until  for  man  accurs'd  in  full  strength  yield'd  the 

fruitful  land. 
While  all  in  full  strength  of  joy  gave  full  their 

true  source  of  yield ; 
Pleasure  reign'd  complete,  in  proportion  as  each 

heart  could  feel : 
Until  man  falter'd  and  sank  beneath  the  wave  of 

sin, 

That  bliss  in  no  part  failed,  or  sorrow  invited  in  : 
Since  all  was  given  for  man's  glory  and  to  exalt 

his  peace, 
In  proportion  to  his  wrongs,  their  usefulness  and 

pleasure  ceas'd: 
Then  for  transgression  of  man  the  earth  ceas'd 

her  full  fruitage  to  yield ; 
Not  only  man,  but  all  creation  was  doom'd  that 

great  hurt  to  fell ; 

Thus,  when  man,  from  the  garden  of  bliss,  for  dis- 
obedience, was  cast, 
All  nature  felt  the  frown  of  Eden  over  her  richest 

prospects  pass. 
To  nature  this  seems  quite  unjust ;  but  to  her 

more  so  to  yield 
To  sinful  man  her  full  treasures, — than  for   her 

his  woes  to  feel. 

Man  is  not  responsible  alone  to  God  for  slight- 
ing holy  truth, 


100 


But  to  all  nature  for  the  right  to  give  the  full 

strength  of  fruitful  growth. 
vSince  man  is  unworthy  to  receive,  nature  cannot 

give  more  than  is  due ; 
Else,  before  the  pure  and  holy  laws  of  heaven,  she 

would  be  sinful  too. 
For  man,  nature  is  denied  the  full  pleasure  of  her 

fruit  to  yield ; 
But,  to  man,  in  full  measure,  she  ever  does  his  due 

portion  seal. — 
Nature  is  e'er  pleased  to  pour  full  man's  portion, 

but  loath  to  hold 
Any  part  of  her  lavish  gifts  from  the  longings  of 

his  soul. 
In  ev'ry  clime  we  see  the  due  measure  of  man's 

acts,  given, 
By  nature  fixed,  under  just  graduating  laws  of 

heaven : 
Of  times  the  kingdom  of  nature's    scorched    by 

power  of  wrath  divine, 
To  reward  man  for  the  wrongs  done  through  evils 

that  his  heart  dezined ; 
Oftimes  nature  frowns  and  heav'n  refuses  to  shed 

one  lambent  ray  serene ; 
Or  supply  one  crystal  drop  to  preserve  the  beauties 

of  the  fairest  scene : 
Nature  in  the  depth  of  her  soul  is  ever  yearning 

man  to  restore 
To  Eden's  bower  and  crown  him  with  beauty  of 

wisdom's  ancient  lore : 
This  heav'n  would  permit,  if  man  would  to  the 

holy  spirit  of  truth  return ; 
And  drink  deep  and  free  of  crystal  purity  flowing 

from  that  holy  urn, 
Which  God  fill'd  with  truth  and  virtue's  purest 

essence  and  caus'd  to  over  run 
Infinite  space  with  radiant  influence  brighter  than 

the  glowing  sun ; 


101 


Which,  if  man  alone  takes  to  appease  and  slake 

the  hunger  and  thirst  of  soul, 
His  life  will  rival  the  diamond's  purest  beauty  set 

in  richest  gold ; 
His  riches  would  exceed  the  treasured  wealth  of 

past  and  future  time ; 
His  understanding  in   great  splendor  grow   to 

knowledge  pure  sublime. — 
But,  man  seems  prone  to  drink  from  that  other 

urn,  which  is  over  filled 
With  bitterest  essence  that,  from  most  woeful 

things,  can  be  distilled. 
Both  these  urns  God,  in  his  supreme  justice,  has 

seen  fit  to  so  fill, 
That  he  may  justly  reward  the  service  due  his 

most  holy  will : 
One  sheds  that  beautiful  rich  influence  that  an 

Eden  makes ; 
The  other  the  gloomy  horrors  which  a  soul  in  hell 

partakes. 

Eden,  then,  is  a  shadowing  of  that  heavenly  Para- 
dise, 
Which  here  is  thus  only  felt ;  but  in  heaven  is  given 

precise  : 

As  we  may  here  enjoy  the  influence  of  that  hea- 
venly state ; 
As  we  here  depart  from  that  influence,  the  bitter 

urn  must  taste. 
Then,  as  the  celestial  glories  rise  in  magnificence 

more  supreme  ; 
So  the  gathering  gloom  of  hell  must  run  in  the 

other  like  extreme  ; 
As  one  in  increasing  splendor  rise,  or  in  mantling 

beauties  spread ; 
So  the  other  in  darkness  sinks,  gathering  dismal 

woes  instead. — 

Then,  since  Eden  be  the  supreme  bliss  for  mor- 
tality designed, 


102 


Which  is  only  shadowing  of  that  joy  toj  happy 

souls  consigned — 
Paradise,  then,  must  be  that  state  fiU'd  with  holy 

riches  deep  and  pure, 
Which  in  richer  beauties   endless  rise,  until  in 

greatness  grown  obscure. 
As  these  riches  thus  in  beauty  rise  through  like 

splendor  of  eternal  day ; 
So  the  soul  will  find  an  upward  flight  in  like  glory 

of  celestial  ray. — • 
The  goal  of  life,  then,  must  be  a  passing  from  the 

shadow  to  the  real ; 
The  bliss  of  eternity  be  to  feel  richer  beauties, 

which  less  reveal. 
The  soul  of  man,  then  Sir,  is  fit  such  pleasure 

and  wealth  to  find 
As  it  seeks  by  principles  of  truth  through  never 

ending  time, 
Which  must  be  to  always  lave  the  mind  and  soul 

in  purer  light ; 
And  pass  through  more  radiant  day  freed  from 

ling' ring  shades  of  night ; 
Until  it  fades  before  that  godliness,  which  is  ever 

wholly  clean, — 
Which  alike  pass  on  to  states  in  itself  greater  and 

yet  more  supreme : 
Thus  His  greatness  rise  on  in  equal  merit  to  the 

highest  name, 

Through  perpetual  greatness  rise  the  glory  of  eter- 
nal reign. 

Man  passed  from  Eden  to  life,  a  state  of  uncer- 
tain fame  ; 
While  here  awaiting  death's  dreaded  call, — seal 

of  mortal  claim — 
He  fixes  the  anchor  of  his  sail  in  the  shining  truths 

of  heaven's  light ; 
Or  leaves  that  sail  without  a  rudder  to  drift  on 

through  endless  shades  of  night. 


103 


With  the  realm  of  mortal  shade,  there  are  three 

states  beneath  the  throne, 

Which  man  must  travel  before  he  can  to  the  eter- 
nal come : 
First  from  mortality  to  death  must  pass  before 

immortal  birth ; 
Then  through  the  immortal  state  must  pass  to 

shore  of  eternal  worth : 
Then,  if  a  thing  that  is  mortal  can  be  immortal 

made, 

Such,  then,  cannot  be  equal  to  that  of  eternal  age. 
That  eternal  state  of  peace  begins,  where  imper- 
fection's name  is  unknown; 
While,  yet,  there  must  be  states  super  eternal 

equaling  His  Highness  grown. 
The  way  to  trace  such  majesty,  man  can  never 

find, 
For  His  Eternal  greatness  is  like  ne'er  ending 

time. 

Just  as  mortality  cannot  into  immortality  flow, 
Neither  can  things  of  perfection,  the  things  of 

imperfection,  know: 
By  God's  high  truths  mortality  is  put  off  and    a 

thing  immortal  made ; 
So  by  a  like  law  immortality  does  to  the  eternal 

shore  lead. 
Then,  since  from  this  mortal  realm,  each  does  to 

a  higher  lead ; 

Alike  from  this  mortal  realm  the  infernal  so  receed. 
Inhabitants  of  the  celestial  deep  are  to  their 

realms  confined 
By  spirits  made  congenial  to  laws  of  the  realm  so 

assigned : 
WThat  immortal  angels  are  in  life  to  the  welfare  of 

mortal  man ; 
The  seraphs  are  to  immortal  angels  beyond  the 

eternal  strand. 
If  man,  by  obedience  to  immortal  laws,  gains 

freedom  of  life, 

104 


Then,  may  he  commune  with  immortal  angels  on 

a  shore  free  from  strife  ; 
As  do  such  angels,  along  the  blissful  scenes  of  that 

eternal  strand, 
Hold  communion  with  seraphs  concerning  the 

eternal  state  of  man. — 

So  does  the  pure  light  of  God  Eternal,  on  man  im- 
perfectly shine, 
Which  by  mortal  man  is  sought  and  cherished  as 

a  light  holy  divine  ; 
To  clothe  his  soul  in  richer  vesture  through  the 

lap  of  ne'erending  time, 
As  he  nears  those  more  glorious  states,  where 

superior  splendor  find. 
Mortality  is  a  state  that  alike  inclines  to   each 

extreme, 
So  pure  light  of  God  and  deep  shades  of  hell 

are  each  imperfect  scene — 
Here  the  fate  of  man  is  fixed,  whither  he  will  in 

true  greatness  ever  climb, 

Or  fix  his  course  in  infernal  space  where  to  aug- 
ment woes  e'er  so  incline. 
Man,  we  find  from  land  of  eternal  riches,   did 

ceaselessly  immerge, 
Through  celestial  states  of  beauty,  to  find  himself 

at  that  awful  verge : 
The  soul,  yet,  through  magnetic  splendor  holding 

that  purity  most  profound, 
Stood  gazing  at  hell's  misty  horrors,  too  deep  for 

eternity  to  sound. 
Why  man  was  cast  from  that  perpetual  greatness 

to  that  narrow  space 
Was  because  mortality  did  in  love  of  soul  beauty 

so  deface — 

A  thing  may,  its  lowest  level,  quicker  than  a  mo- 
ment find ; 
But  to  be  made  like  purest  spark  eternity  can 

alone  refine. 


105 


The  gathering  of  that  love  to  the  soul  is  pleasure 
of  divine  delight, 

So  man  in  asscending  unto  God  finds  blessings  of 
purer,  sweeter  light. 

Man  is  placed  to  enjoy  all  God's  blessings  most 
sweet  and  most  pure, 

Gathering  in  all  its  richest  forces  from  a  spark  most 
obscure  ; 

Which  is  e'er  flowing  into  a  deeper  stream  of  ho- 
lier truth 

As  we  journey  through  the  gathering  sources  to 
more  lasting  youth ; 

To  where  youth's   supremest   beauties,  by  wis- 
dom's most  glowing  power  of  art, 

Are  made  the  age  of  most  rever'd  greatness  due 
Him  of  deepest  purest  heart. 

Thus  we  find  to  enjoy  is  to  ever  continue  in  up- 
ward flight, 

That  fills  the  soul  with  richer  beauties  gathering 
in  the  purer  light. 

Mortality,  then,  we  rightly  designate  as  that  mid- 
dle ground, 

Where  the  soul  receives  a  heavenly  spark  of  beau- 
ty sweet  and  profound ; 

While  to  the  other  hand  the  dismal  source  of  eter- 
nal night  is  found ; 

And  slowly  sinks  into  deeper  gloom  as  the  soul  is 
heavier  made 

By  gathering  influence  from  infinite  depths  of  in- 
fernal shades ; 

Alike  bitterness  of  increasing  horror,   gathering 
to  its  aid : 

One  rises  through  intellectual  purity  to  shine  in 
truth's  abode; 

The  other  sinks  into  a  deep'ning  shadow  beneath 

its  gathering  load. 

The  Millenium  is  that  state  where  the   Saints 
of  God  will  reign 


106 


With  Christ  a  thousand  years  in  splendor  and 

freedom  from  all  pain ; 
The  length  of  which  time  is  reckon'd  in  proportion 

to  the  greatness  of  light, 
As  the  beauty  of  immortality  surpasses  that  of 

mortal  sight. 
These  are  they  who  shall  pass  on  to  the  joys  of 

eternal  rest. 
Join  perpetual  bright'ning  in  freedom  from  the 

second  death, — 
During  which  time  Satan  shall  from  that  realm  be 

bound, 

That  unruffled  peace  reign  over  that  holy  ground. 
The  Millenium  is  perfection  of  that  peace  that 

sweeps  the  mortal  breast 
In  silent  grandeur  with  heavenly  sweetness  from 

the  shore  of  lasting  rest ; 
The  joy  there  is  but  a  current  passing  to  a  realm 

of  more  perfect  bliss, 
Which  floats  a  softer  sweeter  current  in  streams  of 

beauty  rivaling  this, 

In  proportion   as  the  light  frees  supernal  beau- 
ties from  the  shades  of  mist. 
So  will  increase  in  like  greatness  as  we  nearer  life's 

eternal  goal  ; 
And  so  in  like  greatness  will  increase  riches  and 

splendor  of  the  soul. 
They  who've  not  put  on  the  whole  armor  and 

cast  all  things  else  away 
Must  in  death  and  darkness  sleep  until  the  great 

resurrection  day; 
Till  Satan  will  have  been  set  free, — gather'd  to  war 

Gog  and  Magog, — 
Lay  siege  about  the  saintly  camp,  the  beloved 

City  of  their  God, 

Which  will  be  protected  from  such  rage  by  a  show- 
er of  celestial  fire ; 
Which  will  drive  Satan  to  infernal  night  to  writhe 

forever  in  despair. 

107 


When  all  things  will  have  been  subdued  to  God's 

eternal  law, 
He  who  subdued  will  reverence  God  with  majestic 

awe; 
Be  subject  unto  Him  from  whom  he  received  his 

glory  and  power, 
Then,  as  is  said,  Gabrel  shall  stand  and  proclaim 

the  time  appointed  hour, — 
Then  shall  the  sea,  and  death,  and  hell  deliver  up 

their  dead, 
Which'll  stand  before  Almighty  God  to  hear  their 

sentence  read. 
Christ  is  God's  standard  by  which  he  will  judge  the 

lives  of  all  men ; 
As  they  meet  that  standard  glory  will  be  given 

unto  them. 
So  will  all  beings  their  just  level,  by  that  perfect 

standard  find ; 
Be  adjusted  unto  glory  through  perpetual  lapse 

of  time : 
Then,  if,  in  this  life,  we  no  resemblance  of  Christ's 

glory  wear, 
Where  can  we  hope  for  eternity,  but  in  endless 

despair? 
Humanity  made  perfect,  the  splendor  of  God's 

glory  hold, 
Seated  at  His  right  hand  on  a  throne  of  beauty 

laid  in  gold — 

Excepting  God,  what  can  greater  be,  than  life  per- 
fect in  majestic  awe ; 
Confess'd  as  God's  glory,  made  the  standard  of 

his  eternal  holy  law  ? 

All  that's  beautiful,  pure,  perfect  and  holy  be- 
neath God's  throne  found, 
Compose  the  throne  of  Christ  whose's  with  the 

splendor  of  God's  glory  crown'd. 
Christ,  then's  the  fulness  of  humanity,  its  beauty, 

glory  and  renown, 


108 


In  whom  a  fulness  and  richness  of  all  things  unto 

godliness  abound. 
Through  humanity  there  flows  from  perfection 

of  eternal  life  a  spark  ; 
Alike  principles  of  metal,  which  hold  a  degree  of 

the  perfect  part, 
Which  taken  as  it  is,  the  base  metal  destroys  the 

use  of  high  degree ; 

Which  may  be  wrought  into  beauty  and  useful- 
ness past  our  power  to  see ; 
Through  a  process  of  tempering  carried  under  due 

science  of  that  art, 
By  just  graduation,  carry  all  from  the  lower  to  the 

higher  part : 
As  intrinsic  value  of  metal  may  be  increased  along 

that  line, 
It  will  be  freed  by  degrees  from  the  devastating 

hand  of  time ; 
But,  to  be  safe  there  can  be  no  remittance  of  that 

great  process  of  art, 
Else  time  through  eternity  will  be  reducing  all  to 

a  baser  part : 

So  the  true  religion  is  that  science  of  human  light 
To  temper  human  principles  into  a  nobler  life ; 
That  e'er  passes  onward  and  npward  in  freedom 

of  the  truth ; 

That  ever  fills  our  lives  with  purer  gems  of  super- 
nal youth. 
If  man  does  not  always  seek  the  application  of 

that  most  cogent  art, 
Sin  will  gradually  darken  the  portals  of  his  soul, 

his  mind  and  heart ; 
Sink  him  below  redemption  into  the  dread  horrors 

of  ignoble  dark. 
Lives  like  all  things  else  in  originality  were  but 

one; 
Existing  first  in   chaos  before   creation's  work 

begun, 


109 


Which  is  truly  clear,  and  he  who,  earnestly,  looks 

may  most  plainly  see, 
Through  all  creatures,  a  most  noble  rev'rence  for 

the  life  of  high  degree : 
Alike  figure,  through  the  many  qualities  of  metal 

find,  if  we  search, 
Each  bearing  a  likeness  leading  through  the  others 

to  one  of  noblest  worth. 
That  mass  of  life  was  like  oar  containing  metals 

of  many  kind, 
According  to  its  intrinsic  worth  wisdom  did  each 

so  refine : 
Through  each  process  from  the  greater  the  baser 

quality  flows, 
Till  in  due  degree  from  out  that  mass  the  life  of 

man  arose,— 
And  as  each  form  of  life  was  gathered  from  out 

that  great  mass 
So  each  clayey  mould  was  fashioned  according  to 

its  class — 
During  which  time  no  creature  had  e'er  demanded 

a  counsel  call, 

Till  to  form  a  creature  superior  in  beauty  to  it  all : 
Wisdom  looking  into  humanity  saw  it  in  love  and 

beauty  rise, 
In  fullness  unto  Him  whose  glory  and  splendor  in 

deepest  grandeur  lies, 

Beyond  the  flight  of  fancy  or  the  sight  of  intel- 
lectual eyes, 
To  find  the  perfection  of  whose  works  engage  the 

counsel  of  the  wise  ; 
When  they  find  the  splendor  of  one  see  it  into 

richer  beauty  flow, 

So  the  works  and  beauty  of  Almighty  God  in  cease- 
less grandeur  grow : 
Saw  humanity  in  purity  worthy  the  glory  of  God 

above ; 
And  if  by  man  in  honor  kept  should  be  crowned 

by  His  Almighty  love. 

110 


Wisdom  seeing  that  her  works  alone  were  far  in- 
sufficient for  man, 

Ask  advice  of  Him  who  to  all  in  supreme  majesty 
gives  command ; 

Who  beyond  the  gather 'd  perfection  of  all  things 
is  yet  more  supreme ; 

While  for  joy  and  the  perfection  of  our  own  being 
must  forever  lean 

With  most  adoring  love,  to  Him  who  beyond  con- 
ception is  pure  and  clean, — 

So  His  image  we  are  whose  beauty  surpasses  the 
fancies  of  a  dream. 

God  looking,  in  his  greatness,  through  all  ages  and 
eternity  of  time 

For  a  limit  to  man's  greatness  and  found  it  in  the 
splendor  of  His  mind : 

If  worthily  sought,  to  His  riches  and  glory,  would 
ever  so  incline ; 

So  He  to  wisdom  said  let's  make  man  worthy  of 
thy  immortality, 

And  let  My  eternity  be  the  only  source  of  his 
reality. 

As  each  form  of  life  beneath  humanity  in  due 
graduation  fall, 

So  is  man  unto  Him  who  is  the  beauty,  riches, 
life  and  light  of  all. 

As  Christ,  the  Lord  of  humanity,  is  the  standard 
of  created  life, 

So  his  Lord  is  the  beauty  and  the  grandeur  of  the 
everlasting  light. 

Under  that  same  standard  by  which  all  were  cre- 
ated, it  seems  to  me, 

Will  be  the  standard  of  that  great  Judgment  of 

man,  that  is  yet  to  be. 

There  is  for  each  creature  an  exact  state  of  felic- 
ity, 

Set  in  keeping  with  its  intellectual  ability. 

Intellect  is  the  source  of  all  pleasure,  which  gives 
in  due  weight 

111 


The  riches  of  all  things,  as  we  recoginze  their  pur- 
est state : 

God's  pure  intellect  is  the  central  force,  and  of  all 
virtues  most  supreme ; 

Of  all  things  the  splendor,  making  them  what  they 
are  instead  of  what  they  seem : 

Intellect  is  essence  of  God's  own  grandeur,  and 
that  everlasting  light ; 

The  essence  of  His  supernal  brightness,  and  to  all 
things  the  source  of  sight. 

From  that  essential  principle,  all  greatness  is  in- 
fluence grown, 

For  by  that  all  have  their  benig,  and  by  that  their 
relation  known : 

That  is  the  seat  of  God's  eternal  bliss,  supremacy 
and  law ; 

That  is  the  influence  begetting  praise  of  most  ma- 
jestic awe. 

Of  all  things  Intellect  is  chief,  and  over  all  holds 
supremacy  just ; 

For  its  wealth  and  grandeur,  no  other  source  can 
too  greatly  hunger  or  thirst : 

By  that  was  truth  begotten,  and  from  the  womb 
of  chaos  freed  by  force ; 

Of  truth  were  the  daughters  of  virtue  born,   par- 
ent— age  of  the  same  source ; 

Of  which  wisdom  is  the  fairest,  queen  of  all  that 
beauteous  host, 

But  all  their  beauty  before  the  Original's  in  bright- 
ness lost. 

Intelligence  found  the  usefulness  of  all   things 
in  the  hand  of  truth, 

Which  gave  consciousness  of  worth,  and  the  beauty 
of  perpetual  youth : 

The  truth  of  a  thing  is  what  it  is,  but  its  virtue  is 
its  force 

To  give  all  its  worth  to  the  universe  and  gather 
from  that  source. 


112 


In  all  creatures,  intellect  is  the  true  heart,  power 
involuntary ; 

Is  intelligence  flowing  from  God,  but  with  man 
his  being  primary. — 

Which  is  the  supremacy  of  humanity, — the  wis- 
dom, the  might, — 

The  cleansing  of  the  heart,  and  the  mind,  and  the 
soul, — purest  depths  of  life : 

It  prepares  this  temple  for  the  Master's  use,  makes 
it  sweet  and  sure, 

Purifying  all  vessels  for  His  service  with  oil  soft 
and  pure. 

God,  alone,  is  pure  perfect  intellect,  which  is  not 
mere  knowing  ; 

But  perfection  of  all  things  good, — to  us  an  influ- 
ence growing 

Ever  brighter ;  as  we  seek  the  truth  of  that  intel- 
lectual worth 

We  are  gradually  but  surely,  receiving  a  more 
noble  birth. 

Every  consciousness,  influence,  or  impulse,  that 
moves  God's  holy  breast, 

Is  justly  owing  some  source  of  intellect,  which 
completes  His  perfect  rest. 

In  God's  intellect  the  principles  of  his  Being  are 
equally  true, 

Crown'd  by  charity,  most  excellent  beauty,  giving 
all  an  equal  view. 

Then,  since  all  God's  principles  do  an  equal  majes- 
ty thus  include, 

So  one  power  cannot  on  the  others  rights  in  any 
way  intrude. 

Charity's  the  supreme  touch  of  all  God's  greatness, 
where  true  majesty  lies ; 

The  perfect  intellect,  where  all  beauty  in  most  ex- 
cellent grandeur  rise : 

Charity  is  alike  to  all  things,  nor  can  her  greatness 
e'er  be  found ; 


113 


Of  justice  and  equity  their  majesty,  their  essence 

most  profound : 
Charity  in  human  life  is  that  influence  that  brings 

man  nearest  God, 
Which  makes  all  the  virtues  of  life  an  associated 

counsel  for  good. 
Life  without  charity  is  like  material  for  a  great 

structure  laid 
In  such  disorder,  a  building  void  of  beauty  and  in 

disgust  is  made, — 
While,  if  same  material  was  laid  under  due  science 

of  art 

The  building  would  stand  in  glowing  beauty,  form- 
ing one  perfect  part ; 
Each  part  growing  more  magnificent  in  beauty, 

when  set  as  should, 
In  exact  order,  which  increases  in  forming  one 

perfect  good : 
What  the  material  is  to  the  building  so  is  virtue 

to  life; 

What  art  is  in  building,  is  character  in  setting  vir- 
tue aright : 

So  to  character  is  charity,  what  to  art  is  science ; 
As  art  in  science's  spent,  character  in  charity's 

confident : 
As  it  is  art  in  the  building  and  not  science  that  we 

see, 

So  is  character  in  life  call'd  beautiful,  not  charity : 
As  science  is  lost  in  its  love  and  its  usefulness  to  all 
So  charity  the  all  of  life  we  can  her  but  rightly  call. 
In  beautiful  lives  we  see  the  influence  of  charity, 

not  herself ; 
While  she  is  the  supreme  beauty  of  all,  she  is  never 

seen,  only  felt. — 
While  never  seen,  yet,  above  all  she  is  much  more 

admired ; 
Her  voice  more  tender  and  much  sweeter  than  all 

else  e'er  heard : 


114 


She  is  that  worth  to  all  things  what  they  cannot  be 

to  themselves ; 
She's  that  unsearchable  wealth  not  laid  in  store  or 

plac'd  on  shelves ; 
Of  all  hearts  most  sympathetic,  feeling  the  deepest 

power  of  touch ; 
Always  exact,  never  in  this  giving  too  little,  in  that 

too  much : 
She  is  never  idle,  ever  diligent  in  finding  some 

good  to  do ; 
She  only  lives,  but  in  that  deep  silent  beauty, 

wherein  her  grandeur  grew. 
She  may  be  liken  to  some  flower,  in  silence  born 

and  spent  unseen  ; 
Breathing  ambrosial  fragrance ;  clothed  in  perfect 

beauty,  o'er  living  green ; 
Stood  enjoying  the  profound  bliss  of  soul,  that 

selfishness  had  never  flush' d, — 
Unconscious  of  its  wealth  and  beauty,  living  in 

all  hearts  that  felt  its  touch ; 
Only  alike,  as  that  ideal  flower  is  queen  of  floral 

wealth, — 
Unseen  by  eye  or  self,  only  enjoy'd  by  those  its 

influence  felt. 

If  that  flower  had  been  seen,  its  deep  tender  in- 
fluence would' ve  been  lost ; 
The  greedy  eye  would  have  wasted  all  in  glutting 

on  the  tender  dross. 
Visual  beauty  is  external  and  transitory,   but 

serves  to  show 
The  deep  silent  course  of  majestic  truth,  from 

whence  these  mighty  beauties  flow : 
Such  beauty  has  a  noble  purpose  if  man  would 

seek  to  find 
Its  awful   majesty,  quietly  stirring  the  heart  and 

mind, — 
Which  moves  the  soul  to  delight  in  that  gentle 

power  which  draws 


115 


A  most  tender  reverence  for  pure  eternal  source 

of  laws. 
It  is  the  deep  secret  laws,  which  are  eternal,  that 

leads  us  to  admire 
The  perfect  work  of  an  Almighty  Hand  alone 

which  will  stand  test  of  fire. 
What  is  wrought  in  God  has  stay  eternal,  yet  the 

outward  veil  will  fade, 
Leave  God's  laws  standing  in  ancient  beauty, 

when  all  else  in  waste  be  laid. 
They,  who  sought  life  in  Him  who  gave  laws  most 

pure  and  eternal, 
Will  abide  with  Christ,  clothed  with  native  light 

of  love  supernal ; 
Admiring  Him  who  to  them  is  riches,  beauty, 

glory,  love,  life  divine, 
While  to  all  who  disbelieve  Him  such  is  the  power 

of  wrath  unconfin'd, — 
For  a  man's  belief  becomes  his  faith  and  trust, 

with  it  he  will  sink  or  climb, — 
In  its  light  and  beauty  he  will  rejoice,  or  in  its 

night  must  weep  and  pine. 
Those  whose  faith  did  not   sore   with  infinite 

grandeur,  in  God's  perfection  deep; 
Whose  glory  can  know  no  bounds,  or  his  greatness 

end  in  time's  eternal  sweep : 
Until  Satan's  war  is  over,  must  in  ethics  of  dust 

repose 
In  forgetfulness  of  slumber,  until  the  Judgment 

Day  disclose 
That  transitory  things  have  reached  the  day  that 

gives  perpetual  doom ; 
Proclaim  lost  in  brighter  day  radiant  sun,  melting 

stars  and  pale  moon : 
Must  appear  before  ineffable  brightness  of  God, 

source  and  light  divine ; 

May,  for  lack  of  faith  in  that  source  to  abide  eter- 
nal circling  of  time, 


116 


Suffer  everlasting  death  before  things  so  pure,  yet, 
to  grow  more  supreme ; 

As  the  dross  and  darkness  sink  before  the  pow- 
er of  that  pure  healing  stream, 

Which  ineffable  brightness  flows  in  currents  of 
joy  most  calm  and  serene ; 

Awakes  the  soul  to  living  ecstacy,  in  the  light  of 

that  rising  scene. 

When  the  immortal  reign  shall  end,  Christ  the 
the  key  to  God  return ; 

Then,  like  the  mortal  at  its  close,  so  must  the  im- 
mortal burn 

Before  the  mighty  truths  of  God,  that  with  eter- 
nal beauty  glow ; 

All  that  survive  immortality,  like  pure  metal  from 
out  dross' 11  flow ; 

And  so  continue  until  that  pure  spark  alone  will 
shine, 

Which  survives  wreck  of  ages,  brightens  beyond 
range  of  time. 

At  the  close  of  the  immortal  reign,  on  the  shore  of 
ceaseless  light, 

All  who  are  unworthy  will  be  swept  with  dross 

into  endless  night. 

All  who  cannot  survive  that  realm  from  whence 
Lucifer  fell, 

Seems  must  find  their  eternal  place  within  a  sink- 
ing hell — 

Men,  like  Lucifer,  who  refuse  loyalty  to  Eternal 
God  of  light, 

Must  writhe  with  him  in  the  deep  gathering  hor- 
rors of  everlasting  night. 

Lucifer  must  have  immortal  been,  sank  to  like 
depths  of  infernal  space ; 

His  nature  was  to  the  true  light  repugnant,  said 
he  did  not  like  the  place. 

Then,  shall  I  say  that  man  must  pray,  until  he 
survive  that  stately  fall, 


117 


Be  approved  by  God's  holy  call,  gathered  in  eter- 
nal light  of  all  ? 

End  of  First  Book 


THE  BEAUTIES  AND  POWERS  THAT  BE 
BOOK  II 

The  Great  I  Am,  in  time  beyond  the  conception 

of  the  human  thought ; 
In  the  morning  of  Eternity,  proclaim' d  all  not  of 

him  is  naught : 
By  the  perfection  of  his  own  Being,  he  asserted  his 

dignity; 
Intellect's  infinite  depths  of  purity  and  beauty 

gave  supremacy : 
Crowned  by  Charity,  the  essential  glory  of  eternal 

worth, 
From  whence  flow  all  grandeur,  all  power,  all  light 

of  majestic  birth. 

On  God's  perpetual  goodness  the  pillars  of  Eter- 
nity rest ; 
All  the  materials  flow  from  a  point  within  His 

sacred  breast — 
Intellect  directed  the  hand  that  that  mightiest 

structure  laid ; 
Charity,   one  the  influence  and  purpose  of  the 

structure,  made — 
Wisdom  God  made  to  light  his  temple,  and  truth 

to  proclaim  his  hand ; 
Virtue  to  adorn  with  love;  Grace  and  Mercy  to 

save  fallen  man. 

118 


Yet,  there's  another  realm  or  principle,   which 
seems  of  greater  age  than  good, 

Since,  with  us  darkness  is  before  light,  so  we  sup- 
pose ignorance  to  God, — 

But  these  two  great  principles  are  in  age  co-eter- 
nal; 

One  the  source  of  all  good,  the  other  of  night  in- 
fernal. 

While  Ignorance  lay  slumbering  in  confidence, 
of  perpetual  reign, 

Bvil  set  contemplating  what  could  there  be  for 
her  to  hold  in  disdain. — 

While  in  the  other  realm  intellect  was  planning 
Eternal  Day  of  life ; 

Good  calculating  the  rescue  of  usefulness  from 
slothful  reign  of  night. 

While  that  awful  silence  reigned,  no  motion  the 
solemn  stillness  broke ; 

Intellect  investigated  all,  but,  yet,  not  a  word  had 
spoke : 

With  her  nature  most  throughly  saturated  all  that 
did  repose, 

Left  untouched  by  vital  powers,  which  glory  of 
living  light  disclose. 

Before  God  spoke,  intellect  did  prepare  all  things 
His  voice  to  truly  hear ; 

With  intellectual  light  to  vitalize  elements  of  va- 
pid air. 

When  all  things  to  God  were  set  aright  he  utter' d 
forth  his  glorious  voice ; 

Deep  in  heart  of  hearts  Charity  felt  eternal  good 
in  her  soul  rejoice : 

All  things  good  saw  and  worshiped  the  everlasting 
God  of  light; 

The  morning  stars  sang  together,  their  joy  pierced 
the  gloom  of  night ; 

The  sons  of  God  shouted  louder  praise,  their  glad- 
ness spread  the  genial  ray, 


119 


Night  it  drove  away  and  claim'd  the  universe  for 

reign  of  eternal  day. 
While  God  spoke  ignorance  from  her  lethargy 

awoke  in  great  surprise, — 
She  saw  herself, — she  hated, — and  her  soul  cursed 

with  a  curse  that  ne'er  dies. 
All  things  now  awoke, — Satan  rag'd, — the  two 

powers  a  war  involve ; 
Satan  by  himself  swore  that  he  would  the  eternal 

light  dissolve. 
War  is  now  declared  by  Satan ;  the  battle  ground 

is  ready  laid  ; 
Satan  has  declared,  the  sacred  precincts  of  light, 

he  will  invade, 
And  blot  that  everlasting  light  and  its  Author 

forever  from  view, — 
Quietly  to  his  realm  again  retire,  and  his  useless 

sleep  renew. 
The  Almighty  God,  the  Imperial  General,  most 

majestic  stood, 
Within  himself  supreme,  proposing  to  enlist  all  in 

their  proper  good ; 
To  make  all  things  useful  and  in  him  the  universe 

enjoy, 
In  that  God  made  it  possible  for  all  to  that  end 

employ. 
In  that  service  all  must  obey  the  commands  of 

the  imperial  law ; 
For  success  all,  the  sword  of  mercy  from  pure 

hearts  of  love,  must  surely  draw ; 
Bear  the  shield  of  God's  everlasting  power,  and 

dart  the  spear  of  truth ; 
Seek  his  riches  of  everlasting  wealth,  beauty  of 

celestial  youth. 
All  God's  soldiers  must  seek  him  as  the  only  wealth 

beauty,  light  and  good, 
And  against  the  emeny  must  stand  a  universal 

brotherhood ; 


120 


God's  army  must  trust  all  to  the  General's  wisdom 

and  his  mighty  hand ; 
Success  depends  on  a  faithful  execution  of  ev'ry 

command. 
The  General  relies  on  his  supremacy  in  every 

virtue ; 
His  superior  and  essential  goodness  in  every  thing 

that's  true. 
This  leader  is  perfect  in  ev'ry  tactic,  and  moveth 

but  for  some  good ; 

Acknowledges  no  superior  or  equal,  as  other  lead- 
ers would ; 
Exact  in  every  effort,  never  leading  a  superfluous 

force, — 
No  point  within  the  universe,  but's  fortified  with 

an  infinite  source : 

Ever  present  at  each  post, — ever  operating  su- 
premely there ; 

Not  supreme  alone  in  one  place,  but  equally  su- 
preme ev'ry  where ; 
Ever  possessing  a  most  perfect  knowledge  of  the 

enemy's  strength ; 
E'er  operating  with  due  dilligence,  yet,  no  force  is 

e'er  spent. 
Satan  in  his  realm  is  equally  supreme,  which  is  to 

imitate ; 
Having  no  wealth  or  beauty  to  reward,  or  source 

from  whence  to  create ; 

Also  supreme  in  every  art  and  power  to  deceive, — • 
His  only  goal,  death  to  life, — his  only  pleasure  to 

agrieve : 
The  imitated  in  all  things  so  closely  resembles 

the  real, 
That  we  cannot  trust  sight,  but  must  rely  on  what 

the  soul's  made  to  feel. 
If  it  were  possible  God's  mind  to  deceive,  the  elect 

would  be  misled, — 
All  hope  would  cease  and  all  glory  fade  with  the 

silent  slumber  of  the  dead. 

121 


Satan  trusted  this  magic  power  of  art,  the  truth 

from  God's  mind  conceal; 
Triumphantly  raise  the  banner  of  the  false  where 

God  had  staid  the  real ; 
Set  in  disorder  that  mighty  battle  line, — virtue 

and  truth  no  more  know 
Their  source,   but  be  left  to  eternally  wander 

through  the  pale  realms  of  woe. 
Satan  viewing  God's  forces, — seeing  but  one  in  all 

his  mighty  camp, 
Martial' d  before  Him  innumerable  legions  of  im- 

itat'd  stamp: 
So  he  every  where  lay  seige, — maneuvred  his 

trusted  line  ; 
Hoping  God  to  affright,  that  weakness  in  Him  he 

might  somewhere  find. — 
But  the  imperial  General  stood  unmov'd  before 

that  awful  crew ; 
When  all  his  martial  force  exerted,  he  in  weakness 

the  seige  withdrew ; 
And  passed  to  regions  not  eternal, — sustaining, 

yet,  immortal  pride ; 
So  with  God  is  established  peace  eternal  and  Satan 

cast  outside. 
So  long  as  man  battles  with  Satan  alone  upon 

a  moral  plain, 

The  war's  never  o'er,  no  matter  how  many  vic- 
tories he  may  gain ; 
He  fights  for  no  lasting  purpose,  while  in  the  end 

can  hope  but  to  be  slain, — 
A  moral  victory  serves  only  the  purpose  for  which 

it  be  gained. 
But,  when  the  war's  chang'd  from  a  moral  to  a 

religious  affair ; 
And  God  man  makes  his  general,  then  Satan  flees, 

we  know  not  where : 
For  then  he  sees  the  Leader  the  eternal  palm  of 

victory  bears ; 


122 


And  knows  to  desert  the  field  he  flees  a  train  of 

unavailing  cares. 

Morality,  we  then  may  say's  an  influence  of  reli- 
gious laws, 
By  man  sought  to  serve  him  in  a  selfish,  or  a  tem- 

porial  cause ; 
So  religious  laws  only  serve  a  man  to  the  extent 

of  his  trust ; 
If  moral,  it  ceases  to  serve  him  when  the  body 

returns  to  dust. 
If  religion  be  the  medium  by  which  we  seek  God's 

eternal  worth, 
It  will  serve  a  higher  moral  purpose, — add  riches 

of  immortal  birth : 
God's  ability  to  do  can't  be  equal' d,  or  exceeded 

by  man's  faith, 
And  as  his  heart,  soul  and  mind  are  fixed  in  that, 

so  will  his  life  be  great : 
God's  laws  will  not  deceive,  but  as  they  are  trusted 

so  will  they  prosper  men ; 
If  for  a  temporial  purpose,  that  life  will  know  a 

sorrowful  end. 
Satan's  first  siege  served  to  prove  the  perfection 

of  God's  eternal  laws ; 

That,  perpetual  and  impregnable  to  sin,  are  ce- 
lestial walls. 
That  siege  may've  held  for  ages,  its  duration  God 

alone  can  tell ; 
Unless  his  last  resource  had  failed  him,  Satan 

would  not  yet  have  fell. — 
And  with  him  everything  that  falter'd,  or  toward 

God  not  holy  pure ; 
So  establishing  God's  perpetual  greatness, — his 

purpose  made  secure. 
By  that  God  was  not  more  exalted,  in  himself 

more  secure  felt ; 
For  before  him  all  wrongs  must  perish, — all  feeble 

hearts  surely  melt : 


123 


But,  with  the  seraphs,  who  faithfully  trusted, 

but  knew  not  the  war's  sure  end, 
His  name  in  glory's  exalted  beyond  the  power  of 

their  praise  to  send : 
The  courts  of  heav'n  with  unspeakable  grandeur 

and  eternal  glory  blaz'd, 
While  all  its  shining  host  and  dazzling  beauty,  in 

vain  strove  to  speak  his  praise. 
All  mortal  strength  may  of  His  beauty  speak,  yet, 

it  is  most  feebly  said ; 
Immortal  riches  may  asscribe  their  glory,   the 

effort  must  be  led ; 
The  grandeur  of  eternity  may  fully  speak,  the  first 

is,  yet,  but  told ; 
Eternity  may  untold  times  etern'ly  search,  yet, 

there's  a  purer  soul. 

The  bitterest  pangs  of  hell  we  can  but  feebly  pic- 
ture, yet,  they  are  sure ; 
For  his  abhorrence  of  evil  is  equally  strong,  as  his 

soul  is  pure. 
When  eternity  was  lost  all  had  pass'd,  but  to  that 

Satan  kept  blind ; 
Pitching  his  tent  in  the  immortal  realm  and  pro- 

claim'd  himself  divine. 
Here,  like  mortality  to  immortality,  eternity's 

veil'd, 
Save  to  one,  through  which  all  the  secrets  of  the 

others  are  true  revealed. 
What  Christ  is  to  mortality,  so  is  Michael  to  the 

host  he  lead, 
Nor  against  the  eternal  kingdom  of  God,  can  ne'er 

be  led  to  secede. 
Satan  hoping  to  prosper  by  his  defeat,  proclaims 

himself  the  son 
Of  the  everlasting  morning,  and  here  he  his  course 

had  set  to  run : 
Seating  about  him  many  vices,  imitating  virtues 

'bout  God's  throne ; 


124 


Leaving  vacant  seats  of  the  elders,  Christ  and 
Michael  by  side  his  own : 

Inviting  all  to  seated  be  and  him  due  homage  pay, 

But  Michael  defied,  proclaiming  the  true  light  of 
day. 

Satan  again  declares  war;  that  this  realm  he 
would  by  right  of  conquest  force — 

Michael,  in  the  name  of  living  God,  orders  him  on 
his  downward  course, — 

But  he  boldly  defies  Michael  and  his  authority 
given, 

And  tries  the  fortune  of  war  within  the  sacred 
precinct  of  heaven. 

Satan  Martial' d  his  innumerable  forces  to  support 
deepest  wrong,— 

Michael's  army  was  fortified  by  God's  eternal 
truths,  deep  and  strong : 

The  General  who  knows  no  defeat  directed  that 
invincible  line ; 

Demanding  of  Satan  the  principle  for  which  he 
fought,  he  none  could  find. 

Satan  relied  on  his  prodigious  resource  of  false- 
hoods— on  none  could  lean — 

Michael  trusted  to  One  Eternal,  who  in  himself 
alone  supreme. 

Satan  arrayed  in  vanity's  gayest  trappings  and 
her  richest  pomp, 

Adorn'd  with  all  that  pride  could  wish — most  in- 
viting pleasurer  lust  could  want ; 

Presenting  fairest  of  all  things,  which  most  entice 
the  soul  to  sin ; 

Exercising  deceptions  strongest  powers, — doubt- 
ing souls  to  win : 

To  all  his  numberless  host,  these  were  their  hearts ; 
their  minds',  their  souls'  deep  source ; 

And  as  these  delusions  vanished,  they  were  left 
without  a  hope  or  course : 

Michael  stood  unmov'd,  confident  in  God's  ever- 
lasting ways ; 

125 


Led  by  truth  unadorn'd,  which' s  fairest  in  her  own 

essential  blaze — 
In  Michael's  cause  truth  and  wisdom  stood  on 

either  hand ; 
Truth  to  support  and  execute  what  wisdom  should 

command. 
With  their  hearts,  minds,  and  souls  firmly  fixed  in 

God's  majestic  law ; 
For  all  they  stood  nothing  unworthy,  but  purest 

riches  saw. — 
As  each  charge  repulsed  they  felt  new  pleasure  in 

their  souls  arise ; 
Saw  purer  richer  beauties  each  swifter  mantling 

to  the  skies. 

A   battle  now  was  sure,  the  cause  no  recon- 
ciliation would  allow, 

For  each  against  the  others  reign  by  eternity  seal- 
ed a  lasting  vow : 
Satan  debated  long  from  point  of  his  own  dark 

selfish  aim, 
That,  since  God  is  securely  set  in  his  own  eternal 

reign, 
He  woud  not  below  his  dignity  step  to  claim  an 

interest  here — 
Vilest  sophistry !  In  all  good  God's  interested  and 

does  appear. 
Much  on  the  result  depended,  and  that  full  well 

each  leader  knew, 

Whither  heav'n's  glories  should  sacred  be,  or  wast- 
ed by  foulest  crew. 
This,  Satan  viewed,  a  spoil  immense,  to  him  what 

dazzling  glory  to  see 
Himself  in  reign  o'er  such  wealth  and  beauty,  and 

their  purity  wasted  be. 
Purity  Satan  could  in  no  wise  brook,  but  ever 

sought  its  spoil, 
And  wherever  its  reign  prevail'd,  Satan  pitched 

camp  in  other  soil. 


126 


Heaven's  proposition,  seems,  was,  first  to  estab- 
lish all  things  as  they  are, 
Then  make  existence  a  progressive  bliss  under  test 

of  celestial  fire. 
Satan  confident  in  skill,  supported  by  such  great 

contrabands  of  war, 
Flatter'd  himself  that  with  least  missile  could  set 

the  enemy's  gates  ajar : 
So  he  led  the  battle  with   such    horrid  cries  as 

pleased  his  savage  will ; 
Least  falsehood,  direct  at  heart  of  Micheal,  hurl'd 

with  befitting  skill, — 
But  that  heart  was  invulnerable,  nor  was  he  in 

tactic  slow 
To  use  the  weapon  fitted  exact  to  ward  off  the 

fatal  blow ; 
The  next,  with  its  wonted  force,  he  hurls  quicker 

than  a  human  thought, 
But  before  the  truth  it  sought  to  waste  it,  both 

force  and  purpose  lost ; 
The  next  quicker  sends  with  such  skill  that  no 

power  to  execute  did  lack, 
Had  it  been  possible  for  vice  to  slay  virtue  the  work 

would' ve  been  exact ; 
Swifter  leads  the  conflict,  as  his  weapons  permit, 

or  occasions  demand, 
So  contend  the  powers, — Satan  strives  to  cast 

down, — Michael  to  withstand : 
Satan  continues  that  single  combat  to  urge  to  a 

supreme  degree, 
Til  many  angels  failed  themselves  to  guard,  but 

turn'd  that  awful  sight  to  see,— 
When  all  the  negligent  had  attention  turn'd  to 

witness  their  leader's  art, 
The  host  of  Satan,  their  weapons  at  them,  hurl'd 

and  pierced  deep  each  inmost  heart : 
Thus  many  of  the  Angelic  host  felt  the  power  of 

sin's  deadly  dart; 


127 


Satan*  had  sorely  learn'd  that  negligence  with 

cowardice  bore  equal  part. 

Here  Satan  had  hoped  to  his  favor  to  turn  the  for- 
tune of  the  day ; 
The  intrepid  valor  of  Michael  daunt  and  to  his 

charge  give  way ; 

But,  when  to  follow  up  his  success,  found  an  in- 
vincible line, 
Though  no  greater  skill  in  war '11  be  displayed 

through  eternity  of  time : 
So  battle  raged, — not  a  soldier  lack'd  skill  to  equal 

part  his  leader  played, 
Nor  did  leader  or  soldier  despair  'till  they  saw  their 

greatest  effort  fade. 
Then  Michael,  truth  into  Satan's  camp,  did  with 

modest  fury  hurl, 
Which  forc'd  him  and  his  crew  with  their  dead  to 

shelter  in  the  nether  world. 
The  victorious  band   then  paid   most   solemn 

thanks  to  mighty  God  of  host  ; 
In  style  befitting  beauty  of  their  lives,  lament 

their  many  consorts  lost. 

Michael  reviews  the  battle,  considers  Satan's  un- 
merited skill ; 
If  his  weapons  had  equal' d  the  occasion,  might 

have  gain'd  the  holy  hill ; 
Saw  how,  that  if  it  were  possible,  the  mighty  works 

of  God  could  dissolve ; 
How  that  an  end  to  heaven's  eternal  day  might 

in  endless  night  revolve. 
But,  since  without  God  there's  nothing  worth, 

but  all  of  him  is  of  purest  light ; 
All  else  to  him  subject,  then  heav'n  can  no  more 

feel  the  restless  shades  of  night. 
Satan  had  not  considered  some  points  of  war  on 

which  success  depend, 
But,  thought  that  any  weapon  with  such  dexter- 

'ty  sway'd  success  would  attend, — 


128 


Had  he  considered  the  heavenly  cause,  the  lead- 
er's merit  and  skill ; 
The  power  of  truth  to  make  alive,  and  o'er  sin  to 

pour  deadly  chill, 
He  would've  meekly  laid  his  weapons  down  and 

sought  a  lowlier  place  to  fill. 
Here  learn  that  the  success  of  war  does  not  depend 

on  the  general's  rage ; 
But  on  the  cause  he  supports, — on  the  resources 

and  weapons  he  engage. 
The  holy  flowers  of   heaven  now  in  the  full 

strength  of  their  beauty  sprang ; 
Of  that  pure  source  from  whence  they  gender 'd  in 

sweetest  melody  deeply  sang ; 
The  angels  join'd  the  mellifluous  flow  of  that  holy 

song, 
And  pour'd  forth  the  pure  delight  of  soul  in  music 

sweet  pure  and  strong. 
To  enjoy  such  profound  bliss  of  soul  these  faithful 

beings  had  never  thought 
Would  be  their  lot,  until  to  maintain  what  God 

had  given  they  daily  fought 
With  hearts  filled  with  love  for  that  purity  for 

which  they  ever  wholly  sought, — 
Since  in  that  name  they  fought  and  conquered, 

that  purity  more  richly  flows ; 
Now  they're  progressive  beings  and  each  soul  ever 

more  resplendent  grows. 
There  are  two  great  beings,  which  are  co-eternal, 

from  whence  all  things  arise, 
And  as  for  wisdom  to  prosecute  their  designs,  each 

seems  equally  wise. 
The  Greater  to  whom  all  power,  glory,  honor  and 

majesty  is  due ; 
In  whose  own  essential  being  is  perfection  of  all 

things  that  are  true : 
The  other  of  all  most  abominable,  who  to  honor 

has  least  claim, 


129 


From  whose  essential  being  flows  all  things  that 

are  loathsome,  foul  and  unclean. — 
One  who  in  himself  is  highest  of  the  high,  to  whom 

we  all  honor  owe ; 

The  other  who  is  meanest  of  the  mean, — in  him- 
self lowest  of  the  low. 
In  the  morning  of  Eternity  each  of  these  beings 

was  omnipresent, 
Except  neither  in  the  other's  self,  so  Satan  could 

try  his  utmost  strength  ; 
But  to  be  equal  in  power  all  must  be  possible  to 

each's  access, 
Which  could  not  be,  but  to  know  Satan  challenged 

the  right  of  God's  rule  to  test. 
Satan  was  wise  to  know  that  if  he  could  enter 

God's  inmost  heart  and  quench 
The  essential  source  from  whence  issues  every 

good,  that  His  reign  was  spent ; 
But  unless  he  could  pollute  the  source,  all  else 

would  prove  a  most  vain  attempt. 
In  such  an  attempt,  what  could  Satan  hope,  but  to 

ingloriously  fail  ? 
For  what's  in  itself  eternally  pure  cannot  pollute, 

or  e'er  grow  stale. 
While  Satan  vainly  strove,  God's  eternal  glory,  to 

restrain, 
God  proved  that  all  was  to  him  accessable  by  a 

secret  reign 
Of  his  holy  laws,  which  are  deeper  fixed  in  each 

soul,  and  heart,  and  mind, 
Than  the  being  itself  can  e'er  have  power 'its 

source  or  wealth  to  find ; 
So  we  find  likeness  of  the  true  man  in  this  temple 

most  truly  inlaid ; 
For  whose  indwelling  the  temple  of  man  was  thus 

adorn'd  and  neatly  made. 

In  that  likeness  deeply  lies  true  grandeur,  claim- 
ing our  ever  respect, 


130 


Which  if  we  alone  solely  honor,  in  our  lives  will 

glow  the  true  effect ; 

So  our  beauty  doth  not  appear  in  this  visible  tene- 
ment of  clay, 
But,   that  invisible  splendor  surviving  glory  of 

-  eternal  day. 
Beneath  Satan's  essential  being  where  he  felt  his 

supremacy  seal'd, 
God  secretly  entered  and  beneath  each  falsehood 

firmly  set  the  real  ; 
So  the  false  can  no  where  enter,  but  what  the  true 

is  also  there  re  veal' d, — 
Thus  the  truth  underlieth  all,  but  never  hid  to  a 

faithful  search, 
But  a  modest  stillness  holds,  for  what  cometh  of 

itself 's  nothing  worth. 
Truth  sought  in  her  native  beauty  is  the  fairest 

treasure, — never  spent, — 
In  her  source  wedding  each  virtue,  kiss'd  by,  their 

loves  as  she  journies  hence : 
Charity  will  proclaim  the  nuptials  and  direct  the 

wedding  feast ; 
Prescribe  hymeneal  pleasures  that  in  her  hand 

will  never  cease. 
In  the  soul' 11  wed  truth  and  virtue,  there  their 

nuptials  ever  celebrate, — 
In  the  heart  Charity  will  store  the  treasures  of  that 

connubial  state. 

Falsehood's  like  the  mighty  storm  that  plays  up- 
on the  bosom  of  the  great  deep, 
Which  chills  the  heart  of  the  sailor  with  the 

thought  that  beneath  him  there's  no  peace : 
But  far  below  the  troubled  roar  of  storm,  like 

truth  peace  reigns  most  profound, 
There  unadmired  her  jewels  of  soul, — such  wealth 

no  earthly  prince  e'er  crown'd : 
Yet,  there  may  gently  glide  some  welcome  current 

full  pregnant  with  torrid  wealth, 


131 


To  pour  its  conceptions  on  some    frigid    shore, 

there  great  fecund  joy  make  felt ; 
Or  like  the  treasures  of  some  arctic  sea  carried  by 

a  friendly  stream 
Through  delightful  regions  where  the  sun  pours 

forth  a  more  genial  beam ; 
While  the  torrid  deep  this  friendly  intrusion  with 

awful  silence  greet, 
As  it  gently  soothes  her  fever'd  bowels  troubled 

most  sore  with  liquid  heat  ; 

So  he  who  would  enjoy  the  placid  calm  of  perpet- 
ual youth, 
Must  seek  his  rest  on  that  tranquil  shore,  in  the 

silent  realm  of  truth ; 

Or  through  reason,  by  religion  and  by  faith  ap- 
proved, serenely  rise 
In  ecstasy  of  soul,  to  bathe  in  that  crystal  fount 

beyond  the  skies ; 
Be  enwrapped  in   higher  pleasure  than  attend 

the  calm  of  sweet  repose, 
While  in  that  course  we  journey,  love  of  nature  in 

our  heart  deeper  flows. 
God  has  created  all  things  in  their  purest  light, 

angels  and  man  left  free 
To  elect  whether  with  God  to  live  and  an  endless 

course  of  pleasures  see ; 
Or  Satan  idly  worship  and  leave  that  state  of 

pur'ty  to  wasted  be : 
This  angels  know  and  if  Satan  could  speak  the 

truth  he  would  with  them  agree, 
That  he  seeks  to  separate  from  holy  lives  men  and 

angels,  them  to  damn ; 
While  if  he  possessed  the  true  riches,  he  would 

their  due  homage  sure  demand ; 
This  we  ought  to  know,  if  we're  not  greater,  then, 

why  are  we  by  Satan  sought  ? 
Or  if  man  or  angels  sell  virtue  for  vice,  then,  can 

they  but  hope  for  naught? 


132 


While  God  we  must  ever  seek  as  the  only  wealth 

and  beauty  of  soul ; 
For  eternal  life  must  with  patience  delve,  as  the 

miner  does  for  gold ; 
God  we  must  seek  for  his  unerring  goodness, — his 

unspeakable  beauty, — 
For  the  purity  of  his  soul, — to  serve  his  will  be 

our  love  and  duty. 
To  fix  his  greatness,  God  needs  no  aid,  but  it  is  the 

creature  that  receives ; 
Should  men  and  angels  profane  his  glory,  yet,  he 

reigns  with  majestic  ease. 
God  created  all  with  befitting  majesty,  their  honor 

so  to  prove, 
Wherein  they  fall   below  that  standard,  they  fail 

to  honor  the  God  of  love ; 
God  fully  delights  in  his  creatures  as  he  form'd 

them,  and  alone  can  please, 
Thus  man  must  stand  before  he  can  gain  enter  the 

fragrant  bower  of  ease. 
Satan  on  failing  to  blot  out  the  eternal  light,  as 

he  had  sworn, 
Enter'd  the  immortal  heaven  with  confident  elate 

and  unf  orlorn ; 
By  due  subtility  he  hop'd  to  have  its  inhabitants 

to  delight 
In  celestial  gore,  and  hold  all  things  else  in  arms 

of  chaotic  night. 
Satan  having  fail'd  to  successfully  dispute  God's 

right  to  create, 
Either  by  fortune  of  war,  or  boasted  resource  of 

power  to  debate ; 
That  since  angels  are  free  in  choice,  he  trusted  to 

involve  them  in  his  fate, 
And  heaven's  pure  rich  blooming  fields,  of  worthy 

creatures,  to  depopulate ; 
But,  knew  not  that  God,  no  creature  of  his  hand 

would  ne'er  forsake  or  disown, 


133 


If  it  faithfully  trusted  him,  for  all  its  wants  and 

frailties,  to  atone. 
But,  all  who  seek  in  God  a  refuge,  and  make  him 

their  stay  and  tower 
Will  stand  approved  and  with  success  move  a- 

gainst  each  opposing  power. 
Bach  creature  stood  as  form'd,  until  by  Satan  led 

their  honor  to  disown, 
Then  was  heaven  justly  purg'd  and  freed  of  all 

idlers  and  each  useless  drone. 
Heaven  has  since  and  will  with  pure  riches  per- 
petually flow ; 
The  faithful  will  continue  to  rise  for  whom  that 

wealth  was  made  to  glow.— 

God  did  not  set  himself  to  know  which  of  his  crea- 
tures would  fall  or  which  stand, 
But  set  himself  alike  to  all  who  honor'd  the  work- 
manship of  his  hand : 
All  who  make  him  the  object  of  their  choice,  he 

has  elected  to  save ; 
Make  them  heirs  of  his  eternal  wealth  with  the 

true  hearted  and  the  brave. 
We  know  not  the  duration  of  that  infernal  and 

supernal  strife, 
But,  know  that  Satan  sorely  tried  each  heart  and 

disputed  ev'ry  right ; 
Contested  every  inch  of  celestial  soil,  to  its  harvest 

laid  claim ; 
On  every  cost  sought  shelter  to  conceal  the  infamy 

of  his  name : 
Nor  would  he,  his  false  assertion  to  those  fair  fields 

yet  have  sealed, 
Had  not  his  utmost  resource  his  vanished  glory  so 

revealed. 
The  immortal  realm  being  now  refulgent  with  light 

of  eternal  day ; 
Freed  from  all  unholiness,  or  what  could  offend, 

or  mar  the  purest  ray ; 


134 


The  faithful  made  eternal,   always  receiving  a 
purer  balm  of  life. ; 

The  soul  ever  being  flooded  with  splendor  of  a 
richer  force  of  light : 

The  immortal  incorporated  in  God's  everlasting 
might, 

And  its  bounds  so  secur'd  against  ev'ry  nocturnal 
source  of  night. 

So  the  Eternal  Kingdom  being  set,  enriched  and 
beautified, 

As  befits  the  majestic  grandeur  of  Him  who  o'er 
all  preside ; 

The  purity  and  beauty  of  the  immortal  heaven 
sustained, 

With  worthy  inhabitants  set  to  enjoy  God's  per- 
petual reign : 

Satan,  chaos  and  all  things  failing  to  honor  the 
Creator's  hand 

Claim'd  empire  and  right  of  rule  in  all  beyond  and 
o'er  the  mortal  stand ; 

But,  God  calling  all  things  terrestrial  from  out 
that  dismal  waste, 

As  pleased  him,  gave  each  form,  vitality,  intelli- 
gence and  place. 

The  womb  of  mother  earth,  God  fill'd  with  purest 
fruit  of  impregnated  seed 

Unpolluted  by  germ  of  thorn  or  thistle, — no  par- 
ent of  useless  weed ; 

Then  earth's  lust  being  satiate  by  intercource  with 
bodies  celestial, 

Pour'd  forth  the  bounty  of  her  soul,  filling  her 
bounds  with  joys  terrestrial : 

Thus  all  creatures  were  form'd  from  dust  impreg- 
nate alone  with  the  pure  and  good ; 

Man  a  blooming  monument  of  living  virtues,  above 
all  others,  stood ; 

All  lives  were  pure  and  flourished  like  flowers  cul- 
tur'd  in  the  richest  soil, — 


135 


Man  walked  with  God  over  fields  yielding  fairest 

fruits,  yet, — unmarked  by  toil. 
God  did  not  delight  in  man  because  he  was  of  him- 
self wholly  pure ; 
Nor  because  of  personal  charms,  or  power  of  his  to 

long  endure ; 
But  because  He  knew  the  frailty  of  man's  being, — 

his  credulous  heart ; 

How  he  would  grieve,  if  he  should  from  that  in- 
nocent state  of  truth  depart ; 
That  deep  down  in  his  life  and  soul,  where  the  true 

being  and  image  stand, 
He  would  most  bitterly  cry  for  perfection  of  the 

creating  hand. 
While  man  knew  but  God,  and  no  evil  passions 

played  upon  the  cords  of  life, 
He  could  love  God,  the  Eternal  Father,  with  all 

his  soul,  heart,  mind  and  might ; 
While  all  blown  in  purity,  and  but  virtuous  fruits 

grew  fair  and  ripe, 
Man  knew  but  to  adore  and  trust  the  Author  of 

perpetual  light. 
Knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  God  forbid  man  to 

taste, — well  he  knew  the  strife ; 
That  such  an  excellent  power  of  knowledge  He 

alone  could  use  aright. 
Thus  Satan  led  man  to  believe  that  to  be  like  God 

only  meant  to  know ; 
Then  the  supreme  dignity  of  himself  would  be  of 

a  nature  flow ; 
But  when  he'd  tasted,  to  his  lasting  sorrow  and 

most  grave  surprise, 


136 


He  learned  that  to  be  like  God  meant  more  by  far 

than  being  thus  wise. — 
With  God  knowledge  is  servant  to  his  pure  Being, 

most  perfect  intellect, — 
No  harbinger  of  ill,  to  whom  all  excellence  pays 

the  most  grand  respect. 

Man  possesses  no  such  excellency,  but  to  knowl- 
edge and  passion  swerves, 

But,  grows  noble  or  ignoble  in  the  master's  char- 
acter whom  he  serves. 
Poor  man !  Since  he  tasted  the  forbidden  fruit,  he 

became  a  field  of  strife ; 
Satan  seeks  the  conquest  of  the  soul  by  wasting 

the  holy  spark  of  life. 
The  body  of  man  is  the  temple  of  the  living  God 

Eternal, 
Fortified  with  intellect,  truth  and  vrtue  under 

light  supernal ; 
Supplied  with  vessels  most  suitably  fitted  for  the 

Master's  use; 
Set  in  that   apartment  most   holy, — filled   well 

with  nectarine  juice, 
Where  the  soul  may,  in  fairest  habit  clad,  sup  with 

the  One  Divine, — 
Partake  with  him  ambrosial  food,  and  freely  drink 

celestial  wine : 
There  man  may  have  communion  with  the  God  of 

perennial  year; 
Where  Satan  or  things  infernal  will  never  dare  to 

interfere. 
The  soul's  given  charge  that  temple  to  so  keep  that 

the  Holy  Ghost  may  dwell 

A  pleasing  inmate,  the  soul's  High  Priest,  to  pre- 
sent a  heart  that  pleases  well ; 
And  place  within  the  sacred  precincts  of  that 

heart  a  new  white  stone, 
That  completes  the  sanctuary  into  a  pure  and 

saintly  dome : 


137 


A  place  more  holy  than  where  the  angels  are  said 

with  man  to  commune, — 
Which  yet  remains  sacred  to  the  Father  while  at 

rest  within  the  tomb. 
When  man,  fruit  of  double  nature,  tasted  he  gave 

ev'ry  vice  a  right 
To  enter  and  inhabit  there  under  the  dubious 

shades  of  night : 
The  earth  so  cursed  that  all  her  sons,  after  born, 

must  know  like  uncertain  state ; 
Must  conquer  Satan  and  drive,  and  ever  guard 

him  without  the  temple  gate ; 
And  invite  the  Holy  Spirit  to  establish  the  Church 

of  God  within ; 
And  like  the  temple  of  His  Son,  forever,  keep  it 

pure  and  free  from  sin  ; 

And  with  vessels  of  that  temple  be  the  soul's  de- 
light to  ever  serve 
The  Almighty  God,  nor  from  a  duty  he  commands, 

ne'er  turn  or  swerve. 

'Bout  the  citadel,  in  ambush,  Satan  lays,  support- 
ed by  his  sable  crew ; 
Those   points  which' re  weakest  and  with  least 

vigilence  kept  he  holds  in  steady  view. 
When  the  vig'lent  grow  'credulous,  he  insinuates 

vice  in  virtue's  stead ; 

Invites  the  soul  in  seemingly  saintly  terms  to  des- 
ecrate holy  bread ; 
To  life's  lamp  that  sheds  such  lucid  light, —  from  a 

sempiternal  source  is  fed, — 
Satan  would  add  sulphuric  fire, — swaddle  the  soul 

with  trappings  of  the  dead. 
That  temple  God  no  longer  visits,  but  is  loathed 

as  a  den  of  thieves ; 
In  thickest  dark  the  keeper  e'er  gropes, — for  the 

living  light  most  sorely  grieves : 
The  treasure  of  that  house  is  taken, — waters  from 

the  living  fountain  fail  ; 


138 


The  vessels  meant  for  God's  service  pour  libations 

to  the  idol  Baal. 
To  keep  this  house  aright   the  alter  must  glow 

with  fire  of  holy  zeal ; 
The  soul  must  be  pregnant  with  a  love  purer  than 

the  patriots  feel : 
Wisdom  must  be  more  sacred  to  the  heart  than  the 

miser's  gold  to  him  be ; 
More  often  than  the  miser  seeks  his  store,  we  must 

appear  on  bended  knee 
Before  the  One  most  holy  pure,  whose  laws  are  as 

equally  just  and  wise, 
To  serve  him  as  befits  his  awful  majesty,  in  truth 

without  disguise : 
We  must  not  doubt  because  of  human  frailties, 

or  the  fault 'ring  heart  give  heed, 
But  believe  that,  in  the  hand  of  God,  man  is  equal 

to  every  deed : 
Ever  striving  by  His  truths,  before  him,  to  order 

our  lives  aright ; 
Seek  in  him  that  only  freedom  from  shades  of 

ignominious  night. 
Life  is  like  some  pensive  scholar,  who  from  some 

mountain  peak  serene  and  fair, 
That  lifts  itself  in  massive  grandeur  far  above  all 

others  in  mid  air ; 

Views  through  lens  that  will  guide  sight  the  farth- 
est into  the  vast  expanse  of  space, 
And  finding  no  object  whereon  to  rest,  the  sight 

fades  in  an  unknown  place ; 
Yet-,  if  he  could  onward  advance,  that  space  would 

grow  more  pervious  to  view  ; 
The  increasing  splendor  would  lead  him  to  forget 

what  he  had  hurried  through : 
So  when  man  will  have,  through  Christ,  ascended 

humanity's  most  lofty  bound 
To  enter  God's  infinite  grandeur  and  enjoy  that 

peace  the  most  profound, 


139 


He  there  will  taste  God's  purity  so  deep  that  eter- 
nity cannot  sound ; 

Ever  gathering  richer  fruits  of  knowledge  flowing 

o'er  celestial  ground. 

Man's  fall  did  not  involve  his  end,  nor  does  to 
eternal  destruction  lead, 

But  left  him  clothed  in  doubt  and  dread  so  that 
he  much  divine  instruction  need ; 

For  his  wrongs,  thorns  and  thistles  became  the 
most  common  brood  of  mother  earth, 

Nor  could  the  nature  of  man  be  unlike  the  ele- 
ments which  give  it  birth. 

Since  that  useless  growth  has  thus  become  the  seed 
impregnate  in  earth's  womb, 

Man  must  toil  it  to  remove  to  secure  fruitful  plants 
a  needed  room ; 

That  earth  may  pour  forth  her  strength  in  beauty 
and  richness  of  fruitful  ease, — 

That  pure  fragrance  of  flowers  and  fruits  float 
sweetly  in  the  gentle  breeze. 

Thus  man's  nature's  alike  impregnate  with  ig- 
norant and  evil  seed, 

Which  must  be  rooted  out,  truth  planted  and 
cultured  for  its  virtuous  breed ; 

So  while  man  toils  to  fill  the  earth  with  fragrant 
bowers  and  fruitful  trees 

He  must  earnestly  war  with  vice  to  give  his  soul  a 
conscious  ease. 

While  earth  delights  in  pleasure  of  intercourse 
with  fecund  powers  benign 

She  is  cumber 'd  with  a  fruitless  growth,  man  of 
his  ancient  choice,  to  remind. 

In  this  human  soil  where  holy  plants  once  grew 
and  yielded  fruit  divine, 

Life's  now  encumber 'd  with  doubt  and    dread, 
products  of  superstitious  mind. 

So  man  must  strive  with  folly's  brood,  led  by  good- 
ness of  the  One  Supreme ; 


140 


Must  purge  his  life  of  Satan's  spawn, — garner 

instead  fruits  of  golden  sheen. 
To  live  this  man  enters  a  war  that  closes  but  with 

this  temporal  life ; 
By  aid  of  truth,  must  seek  the  One  Eternal  Good, 

nor  turn  to  left  or  right ; 
To  the  One  Eternal  Goal,  must  faithfully  run  the 

gauntlets  through, 
Nor  seek  to  divert  the  sight,  wishing  an  easier 

mark  to  view. 
Thousands  have  f alter' d  in  that  race  and  cowardly 

join'd  the  motley  crew ; 
Grasp  weapons,  the  damnation  of  their  souls,  to 

hurl  at  the  faithful  few. 
To  enter  the  narrow  gate  and  keep  the  way  that's 

straight,  man  must  pur'ty  love ; 
Must  honor  that  wisdom,  which  it  crowns  with 

spirit  like  the  aboding  dove. 
The  path  is  surely  paved  by  truth  and  might, 

mark'd  by  the  holy  light  of  day, 
While  virtue's  sweetest  flowers  and  ripening  fruits 

gladen  the  shining  way. 
That  way  is  not  unmark'd  by  toil,  nor  free  from 

Satan's  missile  showers  ; 
As  vice  is  always  wont  to  lurk  about  virtue's  most 

sacred  bowers. 
On  either  side  that  narrow  gate,  the  towers  of  vice 

and  folly  stand, 
And  from  there  such  weapons  hurl,  as  slay  many  a 

would  be  valiant  man ; 

There  none  can  enter  whose  soul  is  not  impreg- 
nated with  celestial  fire ; 
But  such  enter  in  face  of  Satan's  host  and^force  the 

meanest  to  retire. 
That  way  bears  mark  of  many  battles  fought, — of 

celestial  armor  laid  by, — 
Of  many  who  forsook  truth's  banner, — of  many 

for  her  fear'd  not  to  die : 


141 


Many  perpetual  monuments  arise  to  name  the 
sages  who've  trod, 

With  humble  steps,  extoling  the  majestic  grand- 
eur of  Almighty  God. 

No  soldier  e'er  march'd  that  way  without  ent'ring 
many  conflicts  fierce  and  long ; 

Learned  well  the  lesson,  that  victory's  ever  to  the 
faithful,  not  the  strong. 

Man  should  well  observe  the  trophies  erected  by 
victors  along  that  march  ; 

Gather  true  the  nature  of  the  conflict,  let  each 
cause  engage  a  full  search : 

That  path  is  mark'd  by  many  a  broken  column, 
noting  an  unfinish'd  work ; 

About  the  fallen  fragment  many  useful  and  beau- 
tiful mystries  lurk : 

The  remains  of  each  column  shows  what  life  would 
be,  should  man  worthy  live ; 

Showing  the  finishing  touch,  which  the  Eternal 
Master  to  all  can  give. 

These  fragments  show  where  once  holy  men,  per- 
chance, have  sought  a  devious  course ; 

Left  the  stream  flowing  from  the  pure  fount,  drank 
deep  from  sedimentary  source : 

Instead  of  striving  to  finish  that  beautiful  column 
untimely  broke, 

The  shatter'd  bark  of  life,  tempest  toss'd,  on  bil- 
lows of  unknown  ocean  float ; 

Where  all's  an  infinite  expanse  of  waste, — no  har- 
mony or  concord  dwell ; 

But  the  vital  being  must  ever  feed  the  unrelenting 
pangs  of  hell : 

All  concord  and  harmony  have  their  place  far  be- 
yond that  dismal  strand, 

Where  the  grandeur  of  that  finished  column 
marks  the  blissful  state  of  man  ; 

Where  that  monument,  The  Beautiful,  rises  in 
magnificence  most  pure ; 


142 


Where  man,  above  all  his  faults  and  frailties  will 

arise  eternally  sure. 
Man,  if  he  will  while  dwelling  on  earth,  may  taste 

fruits  of  immortal  glory ; 
May  treasure  up  the  sweets  of  life  and  journey  here 

til  his  locks  grow  hory ; 
Then  sink  to  rest  with  all  at  peace,  as  the  sun  of 

life  should  set ; 
The  sleep  of  the  righteous  sleep,  until  called  to 

His  perfect  rest  ; 
In  that  fairest  realm  where  no  storm  or  tempest 

rage,  nor  fiery  passions  burn ; 
Where  life  will  in  God's  holy  refinement  grow,  nor 

ever  again  will  yearn 
For  unholy  things ;  in  that  life  that  serener  grows, 

man  will  rise  e'ermore, 
Wings  of  love  and  pinions  bright,  sweeter  elysian 

fields,  will  bear  him  o'er ; 

Eternally  speed  him  on  toward  life's  goal,  the  per- 
fection of  all  bliss, 
In  that  day  that  knows  no  bound,  to  richer  strains 

of  music  may  ever  list. 
In  that  realm  gather  all  that  is  most  beautiful, 

pure,  rich  and  good ; 
And  there  the  only  pure  essence  of  man's  life  has 

ever  so  stood : 
As  he  grows  into  that  purest  life,  joins  what,  it 

seems,  he  once  has  known ; 
That  man,  unto  the  purity  of  his  pristine  state, 

again  has  grown. 
To  view  the  most  lamentable  scenes  of  human 

fragments,  be  relumed 
A  desecrated  human  temple,  there  fairest  relics 

lay  inhum'd ; 
Vessels  once  sacred  in  the  ministration  of  the 

soul's  humble  right  ; 

While  in  the  place  most  holy  supping  with  Ever- 
lasting God  of  light ; 


143 


In  that  pure  recess,  where  man  once  heard  of  su- 
pernal beauty  far  and  wide ; 

All  now  in  profination, — growing  more  dismal 
beneath  Satanic  pride ; 

In  depths  of  gloom  the  soul  sets  a  weeping  hermit, 
amid  ruins  so  fair ; 

While  hope'll  ne'er  again  ascend   the  throne  of 
mercy  on  the  wings  of  prayer. — 

Then  should  not  man  guard  the  temple  of  the 
Lord  with  unremitting  care, 

Since  he  supplies  with  purest  love,  and  preserves 

the  soul  from  such  despair? 
In  humanity  there  appears  another  realm  more 
sweet  and  more  refine 

Than  that  of  man,  which  unembraced  slowly  bleeds 
at  heart,  quicker  ends  in  time ; 

That  realm  supplies  humanity  with  the  rich  in- 
fluence of  floral  love ; 

Reclaims  man  to  his  higher  nature,  makes  him 
tender  like  the  gentle  dove. 

Man  unbound  by  that  influence  in  life  is  as  a  strong 
unfinish'd  dome ; 

Like  some  stately  mansion  grac'd  by  all  save  floral 
wealth,  yet,  no  pleasant  home : 

Gainst  such  gentle  influence  and  tender  beauty, 
no  human  heart  is  proof, — 

In  man's  affections  more  deeply  set  than  that  be- 
neath the  parental  roof. 

To  be  embellish' d  by  that  grace  the  heart  of  man 
doth  long  to  feel  the  touch ; 

O'er  the  joy  of  making  such  completion,  the  heart 
of  woman  ponders  much. 

The  wealth  of  womanhood,  if  purely  kept, — lily- 
like  matures  free  from  stain, — 

Is  a  richer  treasure,  more  to  be  desired,  than  all 
earthly  store  can  name. 

What's  more  to  be  admir'd,  than  a  living  monu- 
ment of  blooming  virtue, 


144 


Truly  the  goal  of  womanhood,  all  that's  Junonian 

there  lone  to  view? 
That  virtue  that,  to  idolarous  passion,  ne'er  turn'd 

or  gave  a  smile, — 
Ever  pristine  in  its  beauty,  and  so  pure  that  lust 

cannot  defile? 
As  the  apple  puts  forth  in  bloom  predicating  the 

virtue  of  the  fruit, 
So  the  flowers  of  virtue  do  as  fittingly,  the  human 

offspring,  suit : 
That  when  Satan  comes  he  must  dispute  what  in 

humanity  is  most  fair, 
But,  with  the  human  race  to-day  it  seems  such 

fruit  is  most  extremely  rare. 
Then,  how  frail  must  man  be !  who  is  the  fruit  of 

vain  pride  and  unlawful  lust ; 
Gender' d  in  the  ancient  fault  of  man,  which  is  in- 
nate to  his  mortal  dust. 
Woman,  a  pure  monument  of  virtue, — man,   a 

finish' d  column,  should  stand 
Before    the    Father,   when    in  holy  wedlock   to 

unite  both  heart  and  hand : 
But,  when  in  the  age  of  man,  has  man  witnessed 

such  human  grandeur ; 
Or  in  principle,  has  join'd  his  consort  with  heart 

thus  pure? 

Christ,  the  perfection  of  humanity,  who  has  per- 
petually stood 
Most  meekly  and  holy  dedicated  to  God,  the  One 

and  only  God, 
Is  the  true  Church,  through  whom  man  to  the 

living  God  should  holy  wedded  be ; 
So  the  woman  through  the  man,  thus  making  a 

perfect  unit  of  the  three. 
But,  there  came  a  time,  after  Eve  had  tasted  fruit 

of  the  forbidden  tree, 
That  man  had  to  elect  which  way  to  turn,  in  which 

all  men  can  clearly  see 


145 


That  Eve  drew  near  his  weaker  side,  from  whence 

she  was  taken, — claiming  the  heart ; 
Unloosing  the  golden  cord  of  life,  for  which  all  men 

yet,  doth  sorely  smart : 
Now,  from  the  Father  being  unbound,  without 

care,  they  float  on  billows  wide ; 
But,  keep  their  eye  on  the  star  of  life  as  they  glide 

o'er  the  uncertain  tide. 
The  sun  and  the  moon  have  no  power  to  move  the 

sea  from  its  fixed  bed, 
But  cause  its  ebb  and  flow,  so  Christ '11  move  the 

souls  of  all  the  silent  dead ; 
The  billows  on  life's  sea  doth  rise  and  fall,  sure  as 

waves  of  ocean  roll  ; 
So  soul  of  man  in  Christ  may  rise  to  humanity's 

loftiest  pole,— 
The  axis  of  life  ends  not  there,  but's  the  entering 

of  a  purer  soul, 
In  which  there's  no  bounds  to  the  refining  riches 

and  beauty  of  life's  goal. 
Adam,  before  creation  of  woman,  was  humanity 

most  complete  ; 
Embracing  life  real  and  ornate,  principles  most 

strong,  gentle  and  sweet : 
Adam  viewing  himself  alone,  ask  God  a  helpmate 

for  him  to  secure, 
So  God  seeing  fit  to  separate  from  man  all  save 

life's  real  structure ; 
From  the  ornaments  and  beauties  of  man,  form'd 

woman  with  befitting  taste ; 
Made  man  more  delighted  with  himself,  while, 

yet,  he  did  but  himself  embrace. 
Thus  stood  man  in  Eden  divided  into  the  beauti- 
ful and  the  strong ; 
Man  representing  the  column  of  strength,  woman 

the  monument  of  song. 
Satan  entered  and  of  self  conceited  beauty  sang  to 

Eve  a  hymn 


146 


Of  luxury  and  volupt'ous  pleasure,  leaving'Eden's 

glories  dim ; 
Forthwith  Eve  grew  enchanted, — most  fervently 

pray'd  that  she  could  chant  such  rhyme, 
If  possible  with  such  endearing  skill  and  beauty, 

to  the  Muses  Nine ; 
She  thus  begun"  d, — Satan  with  subtility  led  in 

the  forbidden  line, 
Telling  her  in  the  fruit  forbidden,  in  that  alone, 

could  such  power  find : 
In  that  enchanted  moment  she,  the  gall  of  life  with 

joy,  did  partake, — 
Hurried  to  deceive  Adam  before  realizing  her  sad 

mistake — 
Satan  delighted  much  in  prospects  of  his  deceit, — 

the  house  divided  stood ; 
Eve  couldn't  resume  her  native  purity,  but  Adam 

could  forsake  the  good : 
Eve,  Adam  had  sworn  to  love  and  cherish,  until 

in  death  they  should  part ; 

Well  he  knew  she  he  had  not  wedded  in  her  pre- 
sent soul,  mind  nor  heart ; 
Well  he  knew,  by  God's  injunction,  they  were 

then  separated  by  her  death, 
But  should  he  now  descend  to  that  state  to  be  with 

her  to  her  latest  breath. — 
'Gain  man  views  himself  alone,  ' '  But  how  unlike 

the  first  loneliness, "  he  said,— 
"All  consolation  departed, — much  better  that  all 

to  same  end  be  led. " 
But,  he  reason' d  not  that  it  would  be  better  to 

enter  life  unadorn'd, 

Than  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  sin  for  a  season  be- 
neath the  Father's  scorn. 

Thus  Adam  falter'd;  his  Eve  he  sought;  the  bri- 
ny gulf  gan  to  ford, 
And  soon,  in  the  forbidden  state,  Eve  entertained 

Her  fallen  lord. 


147 


As  they  knelt  to  pray  at  Nature's  alter,  the  angels 

from  their  presence  fled ; 
They  found  their  place  no  longer  with  the  living, 

but  compos' d  the  sinful  dead : 
They  turning  from  the  pure  shining  paths  of  vir- 
tue, where  they  had  wont  to  stray, 
Into  the  silent  recess  of  shades,  hoping  to  hide 

themselves  away 
From  His  august  majesty, — from  whose  awful 

presence  fled  the  light  of  day ; 
But  when  His  voice  moved  the  solemn  stillness, 

they  in  secret  no  longer  lay ; 
Adam  answering,  ' '  Here  am  I, "  in  trembling  tones 

pour'd  forth  his  sad  laments, 
As  he  saw  pass  from  him  the  real  bliss  of  life,  for 

which  man  yet  repents. 
When  ask,  man  gave  true  the  reason  for  his  sin, 

which  did  Eve  incriminate ; 

While  she  confession  gave  revealing  Satan's  con- 
spiracy with  the  snake. 
God,  through  each  attribute  of  his  divine  nature, 

tried  man's  ev'ry  impulse ; 
Regarding  each  influence    relating,  that    might 

justify  the  result  : 
On  finding  no  excuse,  they  were  dismissed  from 

the  celestial  garden ; 

Admonished  to  seek  man's  original  state  and  an- 
gels would  attend 
Them  through  their  pilgrimage  of  woe,  and  be 

redeem' d  and  saved  in  the  end : 
That  the  Word,  that  gave  man's  being,  with  the 

seed  of  woman,  yet  should  blend ; 
Vindicate  the  works  of  God,   and  most  sorely 

bruise  the  serpent's  head, 
And  while  the  serpent  to  revenge  itself  would 

bruise  his  heal  instead : 
They  were  usher' d  from  life's  Oriental  splendor 

into  the  distant  west, 


148 


Where  Satan's  rage  refluent  rolls  from  off  the 

shores  of  everlasting  rest : 
If  man  journeys  farther  to  the  west,   he  enters 

gloom  of  that  awful  deep, 
And  Jonah-like,  less  by  providential  aid,   must 

groan  neath  its  lasting  sweep: 
While  in  the  brine  some  great  fish,  a  kind  agent 

of  the  Lord,  may  take  him  up ; 
When  truly  penitent,  may  save  from  the  portion 

of  that  bitterest  cup. 

While  many've  turn'd  and  patiently  strove  to  re- 
gain that  oriental  peace, 
But,  knew  not  that  same  sun,  which  to  west  had 

passed,  would  appear  'gain  in  the  east. 
Man,  then,  while  plac'd  on  the  westmost  strand  of 

life,  stood  in  the  dawn  of  peace, 
Just  as  the  sun,  when  he  has  reach' d  his  west- 
most  bound,  shines  'gain  in  the  east : 
We  mortals  can  then,  but  take  up  the  duties  of 

life  and  with  patience  run, 
With  the  heart  and  soul  fixed  on  Him  who  guides 

the  course  of  the  radiant  sun : — 
Sure  as  he  returns  to  his  place  in  the  east,  we  in 

Christ  will  be  renew'd ; 
And  the  pure  virtuous  pursuits  of  life  will  be  by 

man  again  pursu'd ; 
Instead  of  the  fruit  of  the  forbidden  tree,  the  tree 

of  life  will  taste ; 

Gather  pure  intellectual  wealth  from  infinite  ex- 
panse of  space, 
And  live  with  Him  whose  glory  is  light  and  beauty 

of  the  uncycled  year, 
Ever  there  enjoy  more  full  richer  flowing  peace, 

and  life  without  a  tear. 
Before  tasting  the  perpetuating  fruit,  in  Christ, 

man  should  sure  atone 
For  all  his  sins,  so  in  no  wise  mar  the  grandeur  of 

his  eternal  home. 


149 


When  life's  sun  in  its  first  beauty  shall  shine  a- 
gain,  and  pure  refulgent  beams 

Fill  the  soul,  man  will  find  real  what  the  skeptic 
thinks  to  be  Christian's  dreams, — 

Then,  with  great  sympathy  pity  the  skeptic's 
state,  when  he  has  ponder' d  o'er 

The  mighty  barrier  that  separates  him  from  that 
blissful  shining  shore — 

In  that  realm,  where  he  never  shall  find  truth  to 
dissolve  the  mind  from  doubt, 

The  soul  will  lead  through  deepest  gloom  to  where 
hell's  increasing  torrents  spout 

Venom  of  the  vilest  serpent's  rage, — a  rich  treas- 
ure of  unbelief, 

For  which  there's  no  balm,  but  proves  a  gath'ring 
source  of  unremitting  grief : 

While  ages  roll,  and  while  hell  extoll  the  infernal 
essence  of  her  womb, 

Ever  a  viler  source  of  venom  will  crown  the  nup- 
tials of  her  bridegroom ; 

While  vengeance  great  as  God  is  pure  will  order 
the  hymeneal  rite ; 

In  pleasure's  stead  the  most  augment'd  woes  that 
could  infest  the  deepest  night 

Will  prepare,  attend,  bless  and  grace  the  ill-sought 
ease  of  that  marriage  bed ; 

For  soft  down  of  peace,  thorns  that  inflict  deepest 
pain  will  have  place  instead. 

In  the  soul,  meant  a  hall  of  praise,  the  most  ex- 
quisite torments  will  ne'er  cease, 

While  such  horrors  deeper  grow, — that  soul's  far- 
ther driven  from  the  shore  of  peace. 

For  the  light  that  would  have  shown  and  purest, 
softest  effulgence  shed, 

The  fire  of  the  soul  is  smouldering,  but  hath  no 
beauty  to  spread. 

At  Eden's  gate,  from  whence  man  did  his  exit  take 
from  life's  orient, 


150 


Is  placed  cherubims  and  a  flaming  sword  turning 

ev'ry  way,  thus  meant 
To  preserve  and  keep  sacred  the  fruit  and  the  way 

of  the  tree  of  life, 
That  no  one  should  return  by  the  way  he  came  to 

that  pure  shining  light. 
The  true  relation  to  the  great  Planet  of  Life,  must 

observe  to  steer  right 

His  pale  planet,  to  preserve  it  in  course  from  un- 
certain shades  of  night, 
Until  it  be  securely  set  in  the  assurance  of  Christ's 

life  and  death ; 
In  him  to  rise  and  join  that  blissful  rest,  by  the 

Eternal  Father  blest. 
All  other  ways  are  wrong,  their  pleasure,  wealth 

and  influence  most  vain, 
And  Lucifer-like  will  sink  beneath  the  wave  ne'er 

to  rise  again. 
Christ's  beginning  consisted  only  of    original 

plan  of  life, 
Drawn  by  the  great  Architect  of  the  Universe  in 

its  purest  light, 
With  due  regard  to  the  material  from  which  the 

workman  was  to  build ; 
So  to  guide  aright  the  builder,  the  Spirit  of  the 

Architect  had  fill'd: 
He  laid  the  foundation  of  the  temple  in  Eternal 

Word  of  Truth; 
Drew,  from  only  source  of  Good,  material  fitted 

for  the  builders  use ; 
Each  part  and  section  numbered  according  to  the 

architectural  plan : 
Slow  rises  the  structure,  showing  the  pure  and 

delicate  touch  of  the  hand — 
As  infancy  passes  into  childhood,  and  the  child 

matures  into  man 
We  see  complete  the  first  drafted  temple,  in  all  its 

parts  most  pure  and  grand. 


151 


Thirty  years  that  temple  was  in  building,  when  all 

its  parts  were  made  complete ; 
The  purest  essence  of  created  beauty,  yet,  of  all 

men  the  most  meek. 
Satan  daily  view'd  that  grandeur,   admired  its 

beauty,  but  purity  loath'd, 
In  his  inmost  being  rav'd  to  see  such  magnificence 

in  meekness  cloth' d. 
"But  (said  he)  I'll  spoil  it  in  its  dedication, — 

Adam  once  stood  thus  well, 
Here  in  this  dust  note  his  fragments,  who  was 

equally  grand  before  he  fell. " 
He  saw  Christ  come  to  John's  baptism,  and  was 

hurried  in  Jordan's  crystal  stream ; 
Saw  the  Spirit  descend,  and  heard  the  testimony 

of  The  One  Supreme. 
"But  ah!  (said  Satan),  I  saw  Adam  visited  by 

angels  far  and  wide ; 
I  saw  him,  in  his  first  state,  walk  and  commune 

with  God  in  no  humble  pride : 
With  but  one  temptation  to  offer,  I  drew  Adam 

from  his  lordly  realm ; 
Then,  with  all  earth's  fair  realms,  which  are  mine 

to  give,  can  I  not  this  man  o'erwhelm? 
Then,  into  the  wilderness,  was  Christ  led  of  the 

Devel  to  be  tempted ; 
For  righteousness  humanity  was  a  more  dense 

wilderness, — more  wide  spread ; 
More  dang'rous  pits   and   snairs  conceal' d, — by 

more  ravenous  beasts  infested. 
To  him  of  all  men  considered  least, — less  known, 

this  great  work  entrusted : 
On  every  side,  from  alters  wide,  saw  incense  of 

ignorance  rise, 
But,  saw  no  homage  paid,  in  the  deep  calm  truth, 

to  the  One  Good, — Most  Wise. 
King  Folly  sat  on  earth's  throne,  o'er  all  nations 

the  rod  of  empire  swayed; 


152 


His  great  Treasurer,  Pride,  the  luxuries  of  earth 

at  his  feet  had  laid — 
How  vast  the  work ;  Truth  to  insinuate,  ignorance 

waste,  and  knowledge  spread ; 
Dethrone  Folly,  his  treasurer  banish,  and  humility 

seat  instead. 
He  saw  the  ardueous  task  of  raising  man  from  his 

fallen  state ; 
Of  restoring,  in  purity,  the  favor  of  his  ancient 

place : 

He  saw  how  easy  it  would  be,  with  his  great  know- 
ledge of  each  thing 

And  understanding  of  men,  all  nations  to  his  sub- 
jection bring. 
For  forty  days   and  nights,   Satan  caused  the 

grandeur  and  glory  of  earth, 

Before  the  Lord,  to  pass, — asking  pleasure  of  serv- 
ing his  regal  worth ; 
But,  deeper  Christ  saw  virtue,  the  true  wealth  and 

luxury  of  nations  lie ; 
Deep  in  his  soul,  the  true  grandeur  and  glory  of 

man  gave  the  deepest  sigh ; 
"Why  are  these  not  honored?"  Ctuist  ask,   to 

which  Satan  found  no  fit  reply. 
"These  (Christ  said),  in  magnificence,  jar  exceed 

all  pomp  you  rate  so  high ; 
They  claim  more  worthy  attention, —  on  this  true 

sov'rnty  can  alone  rely; 
For  these  to  national  sovernty  raise,  let  me  be 

doom'd  to  bleed  and  die." 
Satan  observing  the  moment  when   hunger  was 

most  urgent  for  food, 
Ask  why  the  stones  be  not  made  bread,  which 

temptation  Christ  boldly  withstood ; 
Showing  that  man  liveth  not  by  bread  alone,  but 

God's  holy  will, 
And  that  it  become th  man,  all  of  God's  righteous 

laws  to  fulfill. 


153 


Then,  forth,  to  the  summit  of  the  highest  pinnacle 

of  the  temple  led, 
Saying  thyself  cast  down  and  see  if  His  angels 

bear  thee  up  as  'tis  said? 
Jesus  said,  again  it  is  written,  "  The  I^ord  thy 

God  thou  shalt  not  tempt," 
The  Son  of  man's  duty  is  to  do  and  teach  His  will 

by  whom  he's  sent. 
"  The  Devil  again  him  taketh  up  into  a  mountain 

exceeding  high," 
The  summit  of  worldly  greatness, —  beneath  them 

earth  in  fairest  prospects  lie : 
Royal  palaces  rais'd  their  sparkling  domes,  luxu- 

r'ous  pomp  her  beauty  spread; 
The  magnificent  splendor  of  the  future, —  glory  of 

the  ancient  dead: 
All  that  present  held ;  in  the  future  lay ;  or  in  the 

past  at  rest, 
To  dazzle,  roll'd  a  united  wave,  that  mighty  soul, 

to  suppress ; 

That  the  Devil's  greatest  force,  with  dexterity  ex- 
ceeding thought  of  man, 
Storm'd  man's  only  hope,  but  more  quick  was 

Christ  to  behold  the  most  dext'rous  hand; 
Then,  to  Satan's  offer,  Christ  turned  his  back, — 

him  commanding  to  go  hence; 
In  deepest  disgrace  he  fled,  seeing  all  his  toils  bore 

no  recompense. 
Satan  thus  laments,  "  I  who  once  disputed  the 

Eternal  Sovereign's  right 
To  rule,  who  heavenly  battles  fought, —  trophies 

carried  from  celestial  light, 
Here,  in  a  more  decisive  battle,  defeated  by  one 

of  mortal  frame ; 
From  that  battle  bears  no  trophy,  but  a  far  more 

exceeding  weight  of  shame: 
Shall  this  man  regain  for  man  all  that  in  the  fall 

of  Adam,  was  lost; 


154 


And,  all  his  progeny  back  to  Eden,  lead  a  victo- 
rious host?" 
Of  battles  fought  and  victories  won,  this  appears 

not  less  glorious, 
Which  retrieve  from  hell  the  soul  of  man, —  he 

in  splendor  raise  from  the  dust. 
Angels  then  minister  unto  the  Son,  for  his  great 

merit  commend, 
"  In  thy  labors  we  will  bear  thee  up, — in  thy  death 

we  will  thee  attend ; 
We  with  care  will  guide  thy  rights,  until  to  heaven, 

thou  shalt  safe  ascend, 
Where,  in  unending  bliss,  thy  labors  shall  find  a 

more  glorious  end : 
A  greater  king  than  Solomon,  thou  shalt  reign,  in 

purer  holier  land, 
There,  for  them  thy  toils  share,  a  place  prepare, 

in  that  City  not  built  by  hand." 
So  Satan  saw  the  temple,  (he    had  said  should 

not  be),  dedicated 
Holy  to  God's  service,  wherein  a  pure  heart's  zeal 

glow'd  unabated. 
Satan  reviewing  the  history  of  man  from  Adam 

to  Christ  with  pride 
Is  fill'd:  "  How  few  escaped  my  seducing  powers, 

or  o'er  my  pits  did  glide? 
Enoch,  with  whose  ways  God  was  pleased, —  who 

to  my  charms  gave  no  enchanted  ear, 
God  him  hath  taken,  with  Him  to  ever  live  beyond 

most  radiant  sphere : 
When  I  hoped  this  race,  unredeem'd,  would  sink 

beneath  the  flood's  relentless  wave, 
Noah,  who  believ'd,  with  his  offspring  ferried  o'er, 

here  lies  within  the  grave : 

Righteous  Abra'm,  who  I  thought  to  see  the  pros- 
pects of  redemption  waste, 
With  the  promised  seed,  is  also  sleeping  here 

within  death's  strong  embrace : 


155 


Jacob,  Israel's  bold  soldier,  whose  sons  I  caus'd 

to  so  sorely  grieve, 
Is  also  by  the  same  enclosed,  though  cloth' d  by 

Egypt's  embalming  ease: 
Joseph,  whom  God  was  delighted  to  increase  so 

great  in  worldly  fame, 
Also,  in  like  embalmment  rest,  a  strong  hero  in 

life's  battle  slain: 
Moses,   who   Israel  from  bondage  led,   through 

whom  God  made  known  his  laws  to  men, 
His  dust  I  claim' d,  but  found  the  chief  of  angels 

there,  his  body  to  defend ; 
His  body  is  not  here;  his  spirit  does  not  this 

mouldering  heap  attend; 
But,  that  body  was  so  pure  that  it  need  not  to  the 

dust  return  again: 
Joshua,  at  whose  command  nature  did  her  plan- 

itary  laws  suspend, 
Like  most  great  men  of  earth,  at  death's  call,  his 

prostrate  body,  did  here  extend: 
The  servant,  Job,  who  I  ask  his  Lord  to  curse 

when  suffering  such  sore  pain ; 
Whose  property  I  wasted,  on  him  shower'd  all  my 

torments,  but  in  vain, 
Yet,  his  body  in  dust  reposes  here,  as  God's  records 

doth  so  explain: 
Samuel,  who  in  priestly  service,  was  so  proven 

from  a  child, 
From  duty  found  release,  when  gather 'd  to  this 

monumental  pile : 
David,  God  in  his  sacred  word  hath  said,  was  a 

man  after  his  own  heart ; 
From  the  other  royal  heads  of  earth,  found  his 

remains  should  not  rest  apart: 
Solomon,  whom  God  gave  wisdom  to  known  each 

creature's  nature  and  its  speech, 
Who  by  proverbs  of  most  excellent  riches  taught, 

and  same  in  truth  did  preach; 


156 


Who,  the  properties  of  each  plant,  knew,  that 

grew  within  the  most  silent  nook ; 
Who,  all  the  secrets  of  men,  read  as  true  as  if  they 

were   an   open   book; 
Heard  his  fame,  while  luxuries  of  wisdom  and 

riches  waited  on  his  breath; 
Found  no  discharge,  but  to  his  fathers  gather' d 

in  this  silent  hall  of  death : 
Elijah,  who  lov'd  truth  and  God  alone,   to  no 

other  fame  did  aspire, 
The  belov'd  of  God,  did  to  heaven  ascend  on 

charriot  wheels  of  fire: 
But,  Elisha  to  whom  a  double  portion  of  Elijah's 

spirit  came; 
The  agent  of  many  a  wondrous  deed,  as  recorded 

with  his  name, 
The ,  touch  of  whose  sacred  bones  a  dead  body 

renewed  to  life  again; 
Here  in  ashes  listless  lies  that  man  of  whom  life 

boast  such  distant  fame : 
Hezekiah,  Juda's  King,  whom  God    from  death 

fifteen  years  respite,  gave, 
Here  with  the  peasant  in  mould  doth  rest  with  the 

heroic  and  the  brave: 
Good  old  Daniel,  who  through  God's  favor  great 

and  wonderful  mysteries  knew ; 
Who  from  the  service  of  the  true  and  living  God 

no  day  or  night  withdrew ; 
Who  with  the  other  Hebrew  Children,  for  their 

faith,  walked  the  fiery  furnace, 
Was,  in  the  swaddling  robes  of  death,  conducted 

to  this  mournful  resting  place: 
Mysterious    Melchizedek    to    whom    Levi    paid 

tithes  as  money  lent 
To  God,  his  priestly  dust  nor  bones  are  nowhere 

in  the  bosom  of  earth  pent: 
All  other  of  Adam's  race,  save  those  mention'd, 

servant,  prophet,  priest  or  king, 


157 


To  the  bosom  of  their  native  mother,  as  a  mould- 
ering fabric  cling : 
Yet,  I  fear  that  all  my  most  prized  victims,  who 

me  defied  and  so  withstood, 
Will  by  the  Christ  he  releas'd,  since  all  I  meant 

their  ill,  some  way  was  their  good. 
At  Christ's  rebuke  all  my    legions,  spirits  and 

angels  will  break  rank  and  flee 
Their  ancient  habitations,  in  and  among  men,  the 

wealth  of  Eden's  tree; 
Before  whose  word  falsehood  will  vanish  as  night 

before  the  parent  of  day; 
Before  whose  life  pride  will  waste,  and  luxuries 

of  the  earth  fade  in  last  decay ; 
Whose  city  is  Salem,  he  prince  of  Peace,  where 

truth  with  righteousness  abide ; 
Who  will  the  riches  and  glory  of  Babylon  waste, 

the  Mistress  of  pride. 
In  calling  his  apostles  twelve,  if  he  fails  the  Holy 

Spirit  to  give, 
I  will  seek  his  removal  from  this  life  and  urge  my 

claim  while  man  shall  live." 

Satan  heard  Christ  charge  the  twelve,  God's  king- 
dom to  Israel  you  go  proclaim ; 
Heal  the  sick,  the  devil  castout;  all  I  command 

do  and  teach  in  my  name. 
"  Ah!  (said  Satan)  his  success  is  now  less  secure, 

a  credulous  one 
There  may  be  among  that  twelve;  of  that  band 

Perdition  may  have  a  son ; 
I  will  try  each  impulse  of  their  natures,  and  the 

influence  weigh  with  care ; 
The  true  and  false  resemble  so  that  to  detect  the 

utmost  skill  require; 
He  who's  truth  and  in  no  falsehood  dwells,  can 

alone  in  all  the  perfect  find ; 
Then,  he  who  is  but  man,  not  by  the  true  Spirit  led 

how  easy  to  blind ! 


158 


Of  men,  three  classes  are :  One  conceives  a  thing 

to  do,  then  considers  it, 

If  wrong  repents  and  acts  not;  One  who  some- 
times rashly  acts  and  sins  a  bit; 
And  one  having  time  to  think,  repents  not  until 

he  does  the  wrong  commit. 

Having  considered,   Judas  finds,   who  ne'er  re- 
pents for  committed  sin ; 
He  also  money  loves,  which  makes  my  point  many 

times  more  easy  to  win ; 
He  who  repents  but  for  committed  sin,  of  all  men 

there's  least  hope  for  him." 
As  the  twelve  went  forth  to  teach,  an  unclean 

spirit  their  commands  did  defy, 
So  the  apostles  inquir'd  of  Jesus,  wishing  to  know 

the  reason  why; 
From   what   he   taught,    'tis   clear  intemperate 

spirits  leave  but  in  fast  and  prayer ; 
The  spirit  of  gluttony  knew  none  but  Christ  such 

palms  of  victory  bear. 
As  Christ  went  forth  teaching  and  performing  his 

great  and  miraculous  deeds, 
To  consider  all  as  works  of  a  worldly  king,  forth 

Judas  Satan  leads: 
While  in  the  temple  the  elders  sought  to  take  him, 

and  he  from  their  sight  past 
So  misteriously,  that  in  spite  of  men  and  devils 

his  stay  would  last 
With  men,  while  the  sun  and  his  train  of  planets 

should  keep  their  unerring  course ; 
His  kingdom  excell  all  human  thought  of  greatness, 

that  man's  powers  be  lost 
In  eternal  admiration,  while  the  Son  entertain' d 

the  Father's  host: 
Then  earth  would  pass  into  a  perpetual  realm  to 

be  rul'd  by  gold,— 
Man's  passions  be  most  sumptuously  served, — 

could  more  excellent  bliss  unfold? 


159 


So  Judas  thought,  "  What's  humanity  worth  to 

me,  except  the  price  't  will  bring? 
Then,  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver   I  will  barter  my 

Lord,  Priest  and  King. 
They  cannot  take  him, —  to  reign  he's  bound ; 

then  can  higher  dignity  be  found? 
For  the  price  I  receive,  I  can  greatly  enhance  the 

beauties   of  my  crown: 
Then,   shall  I  not,  for  such  superior  splendor, 

nearest  the  king  be  found? 
For  the  price  of  a  man,  with  the  chief  Jews,  he 

reckoned,  well  this  the  Lord  knew; 
But,  finding  his  ticket  not  for  Christ's  kingdom, 

he  did  much  the  bargain  rue : 
Failing  the  bargain  to  rescind,   forth  into  the 

temple  the  money  threw; 
To  enter  the  halls  of  death  before  his  Lord,  from 

society  withdrew. 
Satan  could  find  no  power  to  restrain  Christ  till 

his  labors  were  complete, 
This  he  plainly  taught,  at  the  last  supper,  while 

he  washed  the  disciples'  feet, — 
Said,  when  he  drank  the  vine's  fruit  again   't 

would  be  in  his  Father's  kingdom  new  - 
In  the  eternal  Kingdom  of  his  God,  where  the 

celestial  vintage  grew. 
Then  Jesus  came  with  the  disciples  unto  a  place 

call'd  Gethsemane ; 
Then  went  forth  to  pray,  taking  with  him  Peter 

and  two  sons  of  Zebedee: 
Then,  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death,  Jesus 

began  to  be, 
As  he  went  forth  to  pray,  said  unto  the  three, 

tarry  here  and  watch  with  me. 
Christ  seem'd  to  know  not,  whither  trial  —  like  it 

pleased  God  Abra'm's  faith  to  task, 
His  should  be, —  prayed  the  Father,  if  possible, 

that  the  bitter  cup  might  pass ; 


160 


But,  unlike  Isaac,  when  the  Father  found  none 

could  substitute  his  son, 
Christ  said,  nevertheless,   Father,   not  my  will, 

but  that  thy  will  be  done. 
In  agony  Christ  poured  out  his  soul,  sweat  like 

drops  of  blood  stood  on  his  brow, 
Of  that  great  suffering,  the   garden,  where  he 

pray'd,  bears  a  silent  record  now. 
Jesus,   of  the  gathering   multitude,   inquiring, 

"For whom  do  ye  seek?' 
They  answering,  "  Jesus,"  then  spake  Jesus  I  am 

he  of  whom  ye  speak: 
At  his  answer  they  backward  went,  falling  to  the 

ground, — truth  to  falsehood  dealt 
A  mortal  wound, —  too  great  was  that  power  of 

truth  their  guilty  hearts  had  felt. 
They  from  that  shock  being  recover 'd,  in  blind 

wrath  onward  did  proceed, 
Until  they  saw  the  just,  upon  the  Roman  cross, 

for  the  guilty  bleed. 
Jesus  looking  into  their  hearts  saw  that  blindness 

from  whence  their  fury  grew, 
Thus  for  them  pray'd,   "  Father    forgive  them 

for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 
As  the  soul  of  nature  felt  that  deep  compassion 

all  cords  were  unbound; 
Then  and  there,  for  man's  redemption,  in  the 

Father's  grace  a  place  was  found. 
In  that  awful  hour  all  grew  dark,  the  great  lumin- 
aries   refus'd    to    shine; 
That    the    Eternal    Father,    who    deepest   feels, 

might  not  witness  man's  foulest  crime  — 
While  suff'ring  deepest  pain,  cried,  "My  God,  my 

God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?" 
Then  once  again  crying  with  a  loud  voice  and  all 

was  paid  upon  the  tree : 

Committing  his  Spirit  to  the  Father,  his  soul  de- 
scends to  hell's  domain; 


161 


His  body  seal'd  within  the  grave,  yet,  to  spirits 

bound  preach' d  redemption  plain; 
And,  no  doubt,  found  disciples  there,  who  were 

made  free  within  that  dismal  flame ; 
Sending  apostles  to  preach  the  kingdom  to  all 

who  pass'd  before  he  came. 
Christ  taught  and  prov'd  that  in  hell  Satan  was 

not  more  to  be  fear'd  than  elsewhere, 
That  if  a  soul  believed  and  prayed  in  hell,  God 

would  surely  hear  that  prayer; 
That  true  faith  would  not  go  unreward'd,  though 

in  hell,  no  matter  how  far; 
That  God  could  free  from  corruption,  though  the 

soul  be  in  hell's  deepest  mire. 
God's  kingdom  rules  in  heaven  above,  preach'd 

in  hell  beneath  and  earth  between, 
But,  nowhere  can  be  serv'd,  less  through  Christ 

the  heart  and  soul  be  made  pure  and  clean : 
In  hell  Christ  preach'd  the  truth,  that  cures  the 

broken  heart  and  sets  the  captive  free ; 
Which  comforts  the  believing  soul  concerning  that 

peace  that  ever  be, — 
Hell  rang  with  an  unnat'ral  sound  as  the  re- 

deem'd  sang  praises  rich  and  pure; 
As   the   soul   received   that   augmenting   peace, 

which  to  the  broken  heart  gave  cure. 
Christ  taught  that  in  three  days  the  Father  from 

death  and  hell,  him  would  redeem; 
That  all  powers  of  death  and  hell  would  be  broken 

and  life  reign  supreme; 
That  they  should  see  angels  descend  and  upward 

bear  his  soul  away,  v;    i 

With  the  Spirit  reunite  to  live  in  their  tenement 

of  clay: 
Sure  as  this  shall  be,  you  may  look  forward  to 

my  coming  again ; 
Then  will  I  call  and  all  the  dead  come  forth  from 

death,  hell  and  the  main; 


162 


To  the  righteous  my  call'll  be  to  enter  the  joys 

of  life  supernal; 
The  same  to  the  ungodly  will  be,  depart    into 

death  eternal. 
At  this  Satan  became  alarm'd,  "  The  prophetic 

records  in  haste  go  search," 
Thus   commanding,    Lucifer  once  familiar  with 

such  mysteries  leads  the  work; 
And  his  findings  soon  reports,  "  John,  who  for  his 

testimonies  of  this  soul, 
Was  beheaded,  his  mission  and  hist'ry  in  those 

records  were  surely  told; 
Christ's  saying,  "  The  Son  of  man  go'th  as  'tis 

written  of  him,"  is  truly  so, 
And  his  entire  life  seems  as  if  it  did  from  pro- 
phetic history  grow. 
David  hath  said,  speaking  to  the  Father,  '   Thou 

wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell, 
Neither,  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption,  wilt 

thou  suffer,'  so  we  dwell 
Not  longer  on  his  word,  but  speedily  turn  and 

find  holy  teachings  say 
As  Jonah  in  the  whale  stayed,  so  the  son  of  man 

in  heart  of  earth  shall  lay. 
David  could  not  have  spoken  of  himself,  his  dust 

and  bones  in  earth  we  find, 
Which  show  that  they've  known  corruption  and 

were  not  proof  against  the  action  of  time. 
We  find  God's  word,  when  truly  spoken,  has  ever 

proven  most  sublime ; 
Then,  why  not  confess  Him  and  hope  to  receive 

a  better  heart  and  mind? 
I  once  enjoy'd  celestial  favors  before  listening  to 

your  romance ; 
The   light   and   freshness   of  the   morning  were 

borrow'd  from  my  countenance; 
I  saw  this  man  there,  who  was,  by  the  Father. 

above   angels   preferr'd; 


163 


I  there  heard  spoken  of  him,  what  hejhere  has 

repeated  in  his  word: 

Of  men  he's  the  mightiest,  and  will  prove  a  con- 
queror where  e'er  he  goes ; 
Then  can  we  hope  by  opposing  him,  but   too 

many  times  increase  our  woes?" 
Satan  thus  return' d,  "  I  know  thou  wert  a  celes- 
tial favorite,  and  fair, 
Yet,   thy  superior  elegance   and   merit,    I   also 

noted  there: 
You  could' ve  had  no  superior,  at  the  greatest  you 

could' ve  but  known  a  peer; 
The  victory's  not  to  the  strong  alone,  but  the 

faithful,  then  should  we  fear? 
When  we  will've  subdu'd  our  enemies,  then  in 

equal  power  will  we  reign ; 
But,  O,  thy  immaculate  beauty  will  the  homage 

of  my  heart  constrain ! 
Then  join  thy  celestial  graces,  'twill  place  thee 

beyond  my  power  to  view ; 
Then  it  shall  be  my  first  delight  to  serve  thee,  to 

whom  soveriegnty  is  due; 
Now,  I  am  about  to  issue  my  orders,  what  shall 

I  expect  of  you  ?' 
"  Give   command,   I   will   do  with   might  what 

soe'er  is  in  my  power  to  do." 
Satan  call'd  his  mighty  army,— said,  "  Leave 

unattended  all  other  cares ; 
Around  this  soul  gather,  about  him  with  all  skill 

bind  your  mightiest  bars ; 
Then  I  will  cement  it  with  my  rage, — place  on  it 

my  adamantine  seal; 
Then  if  that  be  not  secure,  what  I  have  meant  for 

him,  let  my  own  heart  feel." 
All  being  made  thus  secure,  he  placed  in  command 

his  most  trusted  guard, — 
"  With  a  desire  to  safely  keep  this  trust,  know 

that  your  inmost  hearts're  fir'd." 


164 


As  the  many  keepers  stood  strong  in  confidence 

of  Satanic  power, 

Time  with  ancient  steadiness  roll'd  on  in  inno- 
cence of  the  destin'd  hour; 
When  the  faithful  angels,  with  God's  redemption, 

descend  with  awful  sweep 
Into  that  dismal  pit,  where  sin  vainly  tried  into 

that  pure  soul  to  creep; 
With  the  sword  of  truth,  to  Satan  and  his  crew, 

dealt  deep  the  deadly  wound ; 
With  the  same  broke  the  seal,  cut  the  bands  with 

which  the  Son  of  Man  was  bound : 
Within  the  boundless  depths  of  hell  no  enemy  of 

life  was  left  unslain ; 
An  awful  thing  to  hear  the  rage  of  dying  fiends 

throughout  that  sinking  plain ; 
Throughout    the  universe  resounded  the  falling 

wrecks  of  hell, 

Of  which  the  gospel  records,  of  a  mighty  earth- 
quake doth  tell  — 
As  the  angels  broke  death's  seal  and  roll'd  back 

the  stone,  the  Roman  soliders  fell; 
And  in  bliss  liv'd  the  Son  of  man,  while  Eternal 

life  in  his  heart  doth  dwell. 
All  things,  if  truly  trusted  to  the  Father,  can  be 

safely  counted  gold, 

As   through  Christ's  sufferings,   now,   pour  im- 
measurable riches  to  the  soul. 
At  Christ's  resurrection  many  saints  arose, —  into 

the  City  went, 
But,  of  them,  we  have  not  since  heard,  nor  do  we 

know,  how  their  time  is  spent. 
After  Christ's  resurrection,  yet,  he  did  fifty  days 

on  earth  remain; 
But,  with  the  faithful  alone,  of  that  the  ungodly 

no  knowledge  claim. 
What  he  taught  spiritually  while  mortal,  to  sight 

was  now  manifest, 


165 


So  the  Christian's  hope  of  immortal  life  does  on 

such  testimonies  rest; 
Yet,   the  splendor  of  his  ascending  glory  their 

mortal  visions  blest; 
While  the  one  remaining  promise,  the  Holy  Spirit 

did  soon  attest. 
Thus  the  soul  is  comfort 'd  by  spiritual  testimony 

of  that  life ; 
Of  the  Eternal  Father  begotten  and  safely  hid 

away  in  Christ : 
So  the  believing  soul's  regenerated  in  Christ's 

virgin  purity; 
By  God  begotten ;  of  the  Holy  Spirit  born ;  from 

sin  etern'ly  free. 
This  is  most  plain  since  before  John's  birth  he 

testimony  of  Christ  receiv'd, 
Which  was  not  the  result  of  John's  faith,  but 

because  his  parents  had  belie v'd 
That  she,   who'd  long  pa?.s'd  nature's  bounds, 

should  according  to  nature  so  conceive  ; 
Thus  John  we  see  the  product  of  faith,  who  the 

prophet's  spirit  did  receive, 
From  God,  yet,  John  saw  him  through  whom  he 

and  all  inspir'd  prophets  do  believe  — 
That  same  spirit,  by  which  the  Holy  Prophets  of 

the  future  taught, 

Is  now  the  comforter  testifying  of  man's  redemp- 
tion wrought, — 
Presenting  true  what  has  been  and  now  is,  which 

we  through  an  eye  of  faith  see 
That  true  light,  which  the  prophetic  eye  viewed 

by  faith,  and  most  truly  taught 'd  be. 
Christ  came  by  the  Holy  Spirit  overshadowing 

a  virgin  Jewess, 
Which  righteous  intercourse  resulted  in  gendering 

of  conception  purest: 
On  the  virgin's  part  was  that  deep  faithful  longing 

of  a  righteous  soul 


166 


F  or  intercourse  with  the  Eternal  Father,  life's  pure 

and  richest  goal; 
So  the  seed  was  incorruptible ;  the  virgin  pure  and 

free  from  stain, 
Which  fact  the  life  and  works  of  Christ  do  by 

great  and  equal  truths  explain. 
First,  there  are  promises  like  to  Abra'm    and 

Sarah  which  man  must  believe ; 
Then  comes  desire  for  intercourse  with  Him  by 

whom  the  virgin  did  conceive; 
Then   an  intercourse   arises  through  the  virgin 

purity  of  Christ, 
Which  brings  a  regenerating  and  renewing  in  that 

pristine  life; 
Which  gives  a  testimony  of  what's  conceived  and 

hid  away  in  Christ. 
"  Ah!  (said  Satan),  with  the  great  Omnipotent, 

who  can  with  success  contend? 
I  no  longer  have  power  in  hell,  but  must  turn  to 

war  with  puny  men  ; 
I  can  no  longer  hope  for  empire,  but  for  common 

sufferers  must  strive ; 
No  reward  awaits  me,  but  to  eternal  punishment 

be  made  alive : 
From  continuing  my  strife  with  men,  this  mortal 

wound  doth  not  restrain; 
But,   many  of  Adam's  race,  with  pleasure,  see 

plow  hell's  sulphuric  main." 
Hence  Satan  most  cowardly  grew ;  now  rules  the 

great  sophistic  reign  we  see, 
But,  Christ  has,  his  disciples,  told  to  resist  the 

devil  and  he  will  flee. 
Christ  knew,  after  his  ascention,  that  great  empire 

was  next  in  birth, 
So  he  said,  "  When  the  Son  of  man  cometh  shall 

he  find  faith  on  the  earth:" 
Thus  Christ  of  that  great  kingdom,  warn'd  his 

disciples  what  they  might  expect; 


167 


If  possible  false  Christs  and  prophets  would  de- 
ceive the  very  elect; 

But  since  it  is  not  possible  for  the  mind  of  God  to 
be  deceiv'd, 

They  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  keep,  can  but  by  others 
sins  be  griev'd. 

Then  the  visible  church  became  a  real  and  active 
field  of  strife; 

In  the  same  soil  where  the  true  seed  was  sown 
sprang  the  brood  of  Pluto's  wife, 

Whose  womb  is  most  pregnant  with  false  doc- 
trines sent  forth  to  deceive 

The  credulous,  who  love  soft  teachings,  a  volup- 
tous  breed; 

A   family   of   Anti-Christs   and   false    prophets, 
which  numberless  are, 

Who  grow  more  vile  as  they  propound  the  mys- 
teries of  their  sable  sire. 

Christ's  the  true  invisible  church,  where  the  Holy 
Ghost  militates  with  care ; 

Where  the  perfect  truths  of  God  are  taught  and  in 
him  a  true  resemblance  bear ; 

Where  man  can  worship  all  that's  most  high  and 
pure,  and  serve  with  holy  zeal 

The  One  Most  True,  where  the  soul  can  all  His  pure 

deep  rich  influence  feel. 

The  laws  of  God  are  ne'er  changed,  but  to  be- 
lieving souls  more  resplendent  grow, 

While  the  fullness  of  such  splendor  man  can  ne'er 
reach,  yet  are  God's  riches  so 

That,  except  through  Christ  man  can   none  of 
their  real  beauty  or  grandeur  know ; 

Yet,  they  are  ever  shining  around  him  in  their 
real  and  perfect  glow. 

While  through  Christ  man  seeks  to  propser  by 
to  God's  truths  giving  heed, 

He  may,  by  God's  grace,  to  the  eternal  fount  of 
riches  lead. 


168 


The  soul  that  knows  its  need  of  such  purity, — 

felt  touch  of  contagious  fire, — 
Can  find  no  rest  or  know  peace,  except  God's 

mercy  satiates  that  desire. — • 
Then  through  Christ,  the  true  church,  humanity's 

greatest  splendor  and  grandeur, 
Man  can  alone  drink  at  that  eternal  fount,  which 

e'er  flows  so  rich  and  pure. 
The  infinite  wealth  of'  God's  truths  to  believing 

souls  is  most  true  re  veal' d, 
And  the  great  heart  of  mercy,  for  man  to  atone, 

before  God  lay  unseal'd ; 
While  the  sophist  great  hypothesis  state, —  with 

evanescent  glory  spread, 
But,  when  for  its  heart  you  search,  find  it  neither 

with  the  living  nor  the  dead: 
It  proves  but  a  thing  assum'd  which  when  the 

true  light  is  brought  to  bear 
All  its  attributes  are  faded,  and  the  thing  you 

sought  is  not  there: 
All  that  imagin'd  glory's  vanished;  the  soul  left 

in  blank  despair; 
And  finds  that  goal  so  eas'ly  sought  is  in  the  land 

of  nowhere. 
Yet,  the  truths  of  God  the  same  will  stand,  and 

must  be  preach' d  through  the  ages  down, 
Until,  in  that  morbid  womb,  no  false  doctrines  be 

for  the  false  teachers  found. 
All  false  prophets  and  teachings  must  have  their 

day, —  before  the  truth  must  stand 
To  know  which  is  of  the  everlasting  rock,  or  which 

of  drifting  sand. 
Let  the  false  accuse  and  boast,  but  man  must 

trust  the  power  that  Satan  fears ; 
Love  him  with  pure  heart  whom  Satan    hates, — 

whose  majesty's  as  the  endless  years. 
Faith  comes  by  hearing,  but  woe  to  him  who  does 

not  prove  the  thing  he  hears 


169 


To  know  the  thing  is  true,  but  believes  because 

the  teachings  so  appears. 
A  man  may  possess  the  truth  untried,— and  yet 

his  life  may  be  cloth' d  in  daubt, — 
Man  ne'er  truly  believes  a  thing  till  through  laws 

infallible  search' d  it  out; 
Then  the  product,  thus  resulting,  is  of  himself 

surely  made  a  part ; 
And  truly  lives  while  such  facts  are  in  possession 

of  the  mind  and  heart. 
The  doctrine  of  God's  Son  leads  to  the  fount  of 

life  immeasurably  deep, 
Where  the  richest  beauties,  purest  gradneur  of 

that  eternal  calm  doth  sweep  : 
The  soul  that  believes  on  God  through  Christ 

grows  most  rich  in  celestial  wealth, 
And  the  elegance  of  supernal  luxuries  in  the  soul 

is  felt. 

The  man  who  builds  his   hopes  on  Satan's  teach- 
ings'11  find  his  life  a  waste ; 
Where  he  hoped  to  find  his  rest  and  wealth,  will 

find  dark  expanse  of  space  ; 
From  where  he  hoped  to  reap  his  goal,  nothing  has 

been  stolen  or  misplac'd ; 
In  the  beginning  not  a  thing  was  there,  'twas  but 

a  vain  hope  he  chas'd  : 
While  he  clings  to  many  fleeting  visions,  yet,  no 

real  form  embrace; 
While  for  the  sweets  of  life  his  soul  doth  yearn, 

yet,  the  bitterest  gall  must  taste. 
First,  faith  in  the  Christian's  heart  is  planted, 

far  less  than  a  mustard  seed  ; 
If  truly  cultured,   in  grandest  beauty  spreads, 

and  life  grows  great  indeed, — 
Seeds  of  falsehood  quick  spring  up, — her  votaries 

far  through  fancy's  regions  lead, — 
Their  visions  so  dilate,  if  possible,  make  the  false 

the  true  much  exceed 


170 


In  splendor;  in  fairest  colors  picture,   for  each 

desire  falsehood  can  breed, 
An  exceeding  weight  of  pleasure,  from  that  to 

nothingness  such  fast  recede. 
Faith    in    God    through    Christ    is    businesslike, 

where  each  day  man  can  see  new  wealth  pour ; 
Where  he,  who  labors  most  and  freest  gives  to 

God's  kingdom,  has  greatest  store. 
Satan  places  all  in  view  and  proclaims,  "  'Tis 

man  that  does, — nothing's  more  sure;" 
But,  he,  who  such  believes,  through  the  parch'd 

regions  of  hell,  each  day  grows  more  poor. 
In  heaven  all  the  true  riches  of  the  universe,  God 

has  treasur'd  up; 
While  nothing  in  hell  is  stored,  save  that  which  be 

foul,  loathsome  and  most  corrupt. 
Heaven's  an  increasing  state,  which  its  riches  and 

grandeur  in  life  receive; 
While  hell,  of  all  regions,  is  the  most  desert,  where 

its  inmates  can  but  grieve, — 
That  for  which  the  soul  doth  truly  hunger  and 

thurst,  hells  most  destitute; 
But  far  away  in  celestial  fields  it  spreads  broad 

branches  and  deep  root ; 

While  all  travelers  in  those  bourns  ever  doth  deep- 
er thirst  and  hunger  feel ; 
Like   thirsting   souls   on   some   desert   hurrying, 

views  relief,  but  how  unre'l: 
As  those  seeming  fountains  vanish  the  soul  deeper 

imbibes  Satanic  rage  ; 

In  those  wilds  there  is  much  to  instruct  a  thought- 
ful soul,  yet,  returns  no  sage. 
Two  souls  in  this  life,  one  heavenly  born,  the 

other  of  mortal  seed, 
In  same  land  may  dwell ;  where  the  mortal  would 

fail  the  other  well  succeed. 
There  is  no  place  so  arid,  but,  that  God  can  make 

a  pure  fountain  flow; 


171 


Nor  no  soil  so  sterile,  but,  that  God  can  make  a 

fruitful  tree  to  grow. 
Man's  lack  of  faith  is  his  poverty;     all  who  look 

may  see  it  so, 
The  man  is  greatest  who  before  God,  meekly  sets 

himself  most  low. 
As  we  the  church  corridors  enter,  hear    ascend 

many  a  prayer; 
But  true  faith  in  God  through  Christ,  or  faith  at 

all,  is  a  thing  most  rare : 
Before  the  teacher,  the  word  of  God  lay,  a  message 

most  pure,  deep  and  clear, 
Yet,  there  it  is  more  often  the  sophist's  voice  than 

the  true  teacher's  we  hear. 
The  Holy  Scriptures  have  now  become  the  weapon 

of  the  false  and  true  ; 

Through  those  teachings  come  life  or  death,  de- 
pending on  how  we  do  construe. 
Many  deluded  souls  believe  whatsoe'er  they  ask, 

if  with  Christ's  name, 
Whether  it  be  right  or  wrong,  that  the  Father  will 

do  it  just  the  same. 
Christ  has  said,  whatsoe'er  ye  ask  in  his  name, 

believing  it  should  be  done ; 
Yet,  no  ignorance  or  imperfection  can  be  trac'd 

through  that  Holy  One : 
If  the  perfection  of  the  Father,  alone,     be  found 

blooming  in  the  Son, 
Then,  can  we  ask  anything,  but  what's  just  and 

pure,  in  that  name  ?  I  say  none : 
If  man  believes  and  testifies  to  such,  then  is  he 

not  false  witness  found? 
Can  such  be  counted  righteousness,  or  will  it  pass 

with  this  terrestr'l  mound? 
No  matter  what  a  man's  faith  may  be  God  will 

not  do  a  wrong, 
Right  will  ever  sure  prevail,  with  God  truth  alone 

is  most  strong, — 


172 


Man's  faith  does  not  make  right  or  wrong,  but 

before  God  all  fall  where  they  belong; 
And  unless  a  thing  be  consistent  with  God's  laws, 

it  cannot  flourish  long. 
God  will  not  prosper  the  wrong,   because  man 

fails  to  see  the  truth, 
For  all  must  grow  old  and  perish,  save  God's 

perpetual   youth. 
Christ  could  not  be  the  Son  of  God,  if  he  knew 

not  the  Father's  Holy  Will; 
Then  can  we  believe  a  thing  unjust  would  be 

asked  on  that  most  Holy  Hill? 
Christ  is  man's  mediator,  and  does  for  his  inborn 

sins  alone  atone, 
And  when  to  that  pristine  light  restor'd  he  sins 

against  God  and  God  alone ; 
Until  restor'd  to  that  pristine  light,  we  sin  against 

the  Son  of  Man ; 
Then  for  man's  sins,  when  to  that  light  restor'd, 

where  can  an  atonement  stand  ? 
There  sin  becomes  eternal  and  such  there  is  no 

atoning  for, 
Which  alone  God's  grace  can  reach,  or  otherwise 

eternally  are 
Corrosive  forces,  which  endlessly  waste  the  soul 

as  an  increasing  fire; 
Gradually  sink  beneath  the  weight  of  increasing 

woe, —  from  peace  more  far. 
The  Christian  goes  forth  on  his  way  rejoicing, 

gathering  pleasures  most  sweet; 
No    disappointments    rest    upon    his    brow,    no 

troubles  roll  beneath  his  feet ; 
His  life  is  a  giving  up  of  dross ;  a  gathering  heap  of 

richest  gold ; 

A  spreading  forth  of  diamonds  bright;    an  aug- 
menting of  a  purer  soul. 
So  we  see  a  Christian  is  a  happy  man,  kept  by 

eternal  powers; 


173 


Given  luxuriant  wealth  of  purest  peace,   most 

fragrant  wealth  of  bowers. 
Then  why  should  not  man  live  to  worship  God, 

and  be  heir  to  that  richest  store ; 
And  the  eternal  truths  gather  up  in  the  beauty  of 

celestial   lore  ? 
God  is  the  Author  and  giver  of  pure  riches,  beauty 

and  all  peace ; 
Heaven  is  a  most  abounding  state,  yet  its  beauty 

doth  e'er  increase  — 
To  the  soul  that  grows  in  grace  the  grandeur  of 

heaven  can  never  cease, 
Nor  the  soul  that's  born  of  God,  the  fullness  of 

eternal  life  can  reach  — 
By  faith  in  God  through  Christ,  in  the  soul,  a  hope 

of  glory  is   form'd, 
Which,  nucleus-like,  gathers  substance  pure  to 

feed  the  soul  new  born; 
While  that  hope  within  the  soul's  forming,  a  burr 

encloses  keeping  pure 
The   sacred   germ,    until   that   fruit   of   celestial 

growth  doth  well  mature: 
While  the  crisp  white  frost  of  age  is  falling,  the 

burr  opens  to  the  sun ; 
The  soul,  as  fruit  full  ripe,  in  nature's  bosom  rest, 

till  time's  course  is  run : 

In  the  Judgment  morn,  when  the  sun  of  everlast- 
ing life  has  touched  its  heart, 
That  fruit  will  spring  up  anew,  and  as  Son  of  God 

receive  the  better  part. 

All  men  somewhere  in  life  blossom  forth,  in  pros- 
pects of  fruitage  rare, 
But  somehow  the  inmost  germ  is  wasted,  yet,  it 

grows  outward  fair; 
While,  in  Christian  beauty  and  grandeur  of  life, 

it  seems  to  flourish  long, 
But  when  the  burr  to  nature  opens  all    hope  of 

future  life  is  gone; 


174 


The  inward  growth  had  long  since  perished,  yet, 

had  wav'd  defiance  to  the  storm, 
In  such  lives  no  fruit  is  found,  yet,  there  remains 

a  true  symbol  and  a  form ; 

This  is  the  moral,  Christian,  who  accepts  the  doc- 
trine the  sophist  teach, 
The  fruitful  essence  in  him  had  vanish' d,  whom 

the  world  had  sent  to  preach. 
There  is  another,  which  at  first  blossoms  strong 

for  a  time  seems  well  dispos'd, 
Claiming  great  promise  of  fruit,  which  soon  crisps 

hard  and  its  end  is  thus  disclos'd ; 
A  cankering  worm  soon  devours  the  tender  fruit, 

and  there  makes  its  grave, 
But,  these  are  they  who  believe  the  Father  them 

has  predestin'd  to  save. 
Dead  prospects  on  the  fairest  boughs  of  fruit  trees 

are  very  of  times  found, 
Of  chestnuts  most  frequent,   rarest  fruit   'bout 

dead  burrs  sometimes  gather  round: 
These  are  like  hypocrites,  dead,  yet,  in  visible 

churches  retain  their  place; 
For  the  influence  of  their  wealth  the  ministers 

give  an  extended  space : 
This  is  not  God's  work,  but  belongs  to  Satan  nor 

neither  will  it  stand; 
The  greatest  potentate  of  earth  is  not  more  with 

God  than  poorest  man. 
God  delights  not  in  unrighteous  gain ;  the  wealth 

of  the  universe  he  gives; 
A  pamper'd  lust  is  not  the  Christian's  goal,  but 

through  supernal  riches  lives; 
For  the  pleasures  denied  the  sensual,  to  feed  the 

immortal  part, 
Is  truly  treasur'd  up  and  made  celestial  food  for 

the  faithful  heart. 
Such  ministers,  as  think  God's  church  is  a  place 

for  worldly  gain,  cry  aloud, 


175 


Support  the  church !  while  in  real'ty  they  belong 

to  the  other  crowd : 
God's  peace  does  not  flourish  in  such  hearts,  nor 

are  their  minds  free  from  stains ; 
Their  barks  of  life  are  tossed  by  raging  storms; 

their  souls  yet  wear  their  chains. 
For  a  time  all  men  sow  wild  oats, —  so  call'd, — 

not  thinking  of  a  time  to  reap, 
Until  the  harvest  ripens,   day  and  night  then 

garner, —  find  no  time  for  sleep ; 
But,   the  product  they  gather  is  not  staple, — 

find  no  market  for  the  seed, 
The  more  they  garner,  the  more  poor  become, 

until  they  grow  most  poor  indeed. 
All  men  should  refuse  to  garner  such  product,  but 

few  there  be  who  do; 

They  should  burn  the  wild  growth,  and  with  ce- 
lestial seed  sow  their  fields  anew : 
Before  that  new  seed  be  sow'd,  the  soil  must  be 

prepar'd  with  joy  to  receive; 
The   soil    be    thoroughly  purged,   in    Christ  be 

made  anew ;  and  from  Satan  set  free ; 
The  soil  is  then  impreng'd  with  righteous  germ, 

causing  the  seed  to  take  deep  root, 
To  spread  forth  its  lofty  boughs, —  enrich  the 

soul  with  fragrance  of  purest  fruit: 
While  the  soil  is  being  purged,  man  many  and 

deep  furrows  find 
Deeply  entrenching  the  heart's   deep   seat,    the 

depth  of  soul  and  mind : 
Long  in  that  trench  life  will  tend  to  drift,  while 

to  an  upward  course  feel  inclin'd : 
Yet,  God's  grace,  if  trusted,  is  sufficient  all  into 

purest  gold  refine. 
The  aches  and  disappointments  in  life  are  what 

the  furnace  is  to  gold, 
That  which  tends  to  waste  life's  spring  is  but 

forcing  into  current  mold : 


176 


Just  as  the  pure  gold  and  silver  first  from  out  the 

ore  must  pass, 
Then  to  the  mind  be  brought,  and  into  a  current 

coin  be  cast : 
So  life  must  be  purg'd  from  dross, — before  the 

mint  a  pure  bullion  lay,— 
Stamped  with  that  mould,  which  makes  current  in 

the  mart  of  eternal  day. 
If  a  man's  right  with  God,  all  meant  his  hurt,  God 

to  pure  riches  will  transmute ; 
All  false  accusations,  in  time,  a  life  of  righteous 

acts  will  just  refute. 
He  who  trusts  all  to  God, — through  purity  of 

Christ  seeks  the  righteous  end, 
Bach  temptation  will  cause  deeper  influence  of 

truth  in  his  life  to  blend : 
They  who  seek  his  ruin  will  see  him  flourish 

through  great  and  wondrous  deeds, 
While  they  sink  in  deepest  ruins,  where  unright- 
eousness ever  surely  leads. 
All  men  should  so  live  that  when  their  lives  to  this 

mortal  end  have  roll'd; 
Like  Job,  can  say,  I  know,  when  I  am  tried  I  will 

come  forth  pure  gold ; 
While  Satan  cloth' d  him  with  bitterest  pangs,  he 

prov'd  a  soldier  truly  bold ; 
While  in  the  end  he  more  affluent  grew, — stood 

dress' d  in  a  much  richer  stole. 
So  will  all  men  rise,  when  their  lives  have  been  as 

truly  tried  and  prov'd, 
In  terrestr'al  and  celestial  wealth,  the  gift  of  the 

God  he  lov'd. 
The  three  friends  of  Job  were  not  God's  agents, 

who  believed  they  were  by  Him  sent, 
They  appear  to  have  been  most  noble  men,  to  the 

service  of  Satan,  lent. 
Job  knew  himself,  nor  would  he  to  their  elegant 

and  much  fair  speech  give  heed, 
But  said,  I  will  trust  Him,  though  he  slay  me, 

177 


Yet,  proving  great  in  act  and  deed. 

How  few  are  men  who  live  so  they  could  trust  their 

lives  when  such  afflictions  pour; 
Yet,  there'll  come  a  time  when  we   must  trust 

our  lives,  or  else  we  can  live  no  more. 
Beyond  doubt,  that  was  as  great  a  battle  as  mortal 

man  e'er  fought ; 
Helpless, — beneath    those    nightly    strokes    lay 

groaning,  yet,  what  beauty  wrought. 
Life,  like  metal,  must  pass  through  many  forges 

before  being  freed  from  dross ; 
Or  like  gold,  each  time  the  furnace  tries  proves 

brighter,  till  all  its  baseness  lost ; 
Or  like  metal,  so  long  as  in  the  earth  as  form'd 

will  preserve  that  state, 

But,  when  from  its  ore  ta'n, — in  itself  grows  can- 
kerous,— soon  sinks  in  waste : 
Unless  for  a  useful  purpose  refin'd,  and  preserved 

unto  its  place — 
Thereby  becoming  an  instrument  for  good,  and 

does  a  lot  embrace : 
So  is  life  when  separated  to  itself,  and  vital  being 

given,  % 

It  must  in  usefulness  be  refin'd,  or  else  be  to  des- 
truction driven. 
In  youth  the  Spirit  and  soul  are  a  wedded  pair, 

till  mature  years  arrive  ; 
Then,  for  a  time,  lust  becomes  the  darling  of  the 

soul, — deep  in  follies  dive ; 
Then  to  wisdom's  voice  no  longer  giving  heed,— 

the  mother  of  the  wise ; 
During  its  dalliance  with  lust,  the  true  departs,  it 

can't  have  two  wives. 
Before  that  soul,  the  spirit,  can  wed  again,  it  must 

renew  its  first  love ; 
From  lust  be  divorc'd, — In  Christ  be  regenerated 

and  born  from  above. 
Without  that  renewing,  the  soul  cannot  receive 

again  its  heav'nly  bride  ; 

178 


Will  remain  eternally  divorc'd;  the  soul  waste  in 

hell's  relentless  tide : 

Without  the  renewing  they  remain  enemies, — can- 
not be  reconcil'd, — 
The  Spirit  will  not  keep  union  with  the  soul,  that 

by  lust  remains  defiTd. 
In  Christ  all  will  be  resurrected ;  made  'live  to  that 

spiritual  desire ; 
To  the  righteous  be  life  eternal;  to  the  wicked  a 

consuming  fire. 
The  body  of  man  is  mortal,  the  temple  where  the 

soul  resides ; 
Where  in  mature  years  may  take  a  supernal  or 

infernal  bride : 

Unless,  from  that  bride  divorc'd,  will  his  inher- 
itance eternally  seal ; 
After  death  the  mortal  will  not  longer  suffer,  but 

the  soul  then  will  fell. 
The  man  who  dies  in  sin  hath  no  life  immortal, 

but's  eterna'ly  dead ; 
In  Christ  they  have  no  part,  as  he  in  immortal 

words  of  truth  hath  said 
I  am  the  way,  the  truth  and  light,  through  which 

man  passes  from  death  into  life, 
And  unless  you  pass  through  that  door  you  can  in 

no  way  flee  the  shades  of  night. 
After  Michael  had  fought   with    Satan, — unto 

the  Father  all  subdu'd,— 
The  immortal  veil  as  a  scroll  roll'd  back  and  all  the 

faithful  imbu'd 
With  God's  eternal  glory  and  ineffable  brightness, 

thus  made  to  share 
The  beauties  and  riches  of  him  whose  grandeur 

and  glory  are  man's  to  wear. 
Thus  the  first  heaven  past ;  while  the  immortal 

realm  stood  an  unpeopl'd  state; 
But  soon  given  for  man  to  inhabit,  who  did  his 

glory  much  abate : 


179 


Yet,  man  has  a  hope  within  the  flesh,  should  he 

survive  its  fleeting  pride, 
Which' s  a  renewing  in  the  creating  word;  where 

God's  grace  yet  abide, — 
Thus  between  God  and  mortal  man  the  current  of 

an  awful  gulf  doth  glide 
Over  the  immortal   realm, — from    whence    man 

fell  —  spread  these  raging  billows  wide : 
In  Christ  these  billows  rage  no  more,  but  become 

an  ocean  most  calm ; 
Christ's  suff' rings  reconcil'd  the  Father,   spoke 

peace  to  the  dashing  storm. 
Christ  said,  in  my  Father's  house   are   mansions 

many,  the  vast  expanse  of  space ; 
I  go  to  prepare  for  you  a  place, — through  the  im- 
mortal realm  lead  this  race. 
Man  cannot  pass  from  mortality  unto  God,  but 

through  the  lost  estate, — 
These  portals  Satan  long  kept  closed,  but  through 

our  Lord  now  stands  an  open  gate. 
In  Eden's  pleasant  bowers  the  Saints  with  Christ 

a  thousand  years  will  reign, 
In  the  New  Jerusalen,   the  fairest  City  and  of 

greatest  fame. 
After  the  thousand  years  are  fulfill' d,  Satan  shall 

be  loosed  from  his  chains ; 
An  army  as  numberless  as  the  sea-sands  gather  on 

Eden's  plains 
To   war  against  that  peaceful  city,  whose  king 

holds  victory  ready  gain'd : 
Fire  will  rain  from  heaven  and  Satan  and  all  his 

numerous  host  be  slain ; 
That'll  be  the  last  great  battle,  all  lost  by  Adam's 

fall  will  there  be  regain' d ; 
Eden  restor'd;  the  Devil  into  hell  cast,  and  only 

God's  truths  remain ; 

No  falsehood  or  deception  there;  all  like  the  vic- 
tory Michael  won : 

180 


Heaven  as  a  vestment  from  His  face  roll  back, — 

whose  glory  exceeds  the  sun : 
From  before  His  face  the  heaven  and  earth  will 

flee, — for  them  no  place  be  found ; 
Then,  from  the  books,  which  he  will  open,  read 

that  doctrine  eternally  sound ; 
There  no  man's  faith  or  works  shall  live,  which 

does  not  within  his  truths  abound ; 
There's  no  life,  save  that  wherein  the  everlasting 

youth  of  God  be  found. 
In  God  through  Christ  the  righteous  will 'find  a 

justification  of  their  faith ; 
In  the  same  the  wicked's  just  condemnation,  but 

to  save  it  comes  too  late. 
Before  time  shall  end,  in  the  State  of  passion,  a 

City  shall  stand, 
The  Babylon  of  Pride;  the  Seat  of  lust;  the  mart 

of  vice,  in  Folly's  land ; 
Where  the  Argosies  of  intellect  gather  from  earth's 

cities,  most  remote, 
The  treasures  of  vanity,  that  swiftly  over  the  film 

of  falsehood  float : 
There  sets  the  goddess  of  passion,  among  men  her 

alters  spread  far  and  wide ; 
Here  men  dedicate  their  fortunes, — burn  their 

manhood  to  satiate  her  pride :     ' 
All  the  beauty  and  wealth  of  nature,  her  fires  of 

oblation  would  ignite ; 

And  purest  nectar,  a  libation,  pour  from  the  gold- 
en vessels  of  life. 
With  her  most  luxur'us  passions  flourish;   her 

commerce  floats  on  many  seas ; 
Her  most  devoted  followers  are  those  who  most 

delight  in  lustful  ease. 

The  beautlf ui  strains  of  music ;  the  endearing  pow- 
ers of  human  speech, 
Man  has  dedicated  to  her  service, — her  fabulous 

glory  to  teach. 

181 


The  sophistic  priests,  the  visable  church,  have  here 

led  a  captive ; 
The  fair  temple  of  truth  demolish' d,  but  truth 

itself  yet  doth  live. — 

When  earth' 11  have  paid  her  last  and  fairest  tri- 
bute, by  culminating  hand 
Of  human  science;  the  genius  of  human  intellect 

laid  the  span, 
Which  completes  the  City's  greatness — then  the 

goddess  and  votaries  forth  go 
To  revel  in  eternal  ease,  but  see  not  how  such 

portend  endless  woe : 
As,  the  holy  vessels  once  dedicat'd  to  truth,  they 

fill  with  life's  gall, 
And  from  these  fairest  vessels  drink,  they  will  see 

writing  upon  the  wall 
The  fingers  of  truth,  in  an  unknown  hand,  the 

destiny  of  them  all : 
The  language  of  truth,  they  do  not  know,  nor  can 

they  the  hand  of  fate  read ; 

Then  for  a  Daniel  call,  who  revels  not  with  the  un- 
righteous seed, 
To  read  to  them  words  of  truth,  the  end  to  which 

that  city  long  will  lead. 
There  will  be  no  faithful  found,  save  a  contending 

band  of  captives  few, 
Who  had  purpos'd  in  their  hearts  that  they  would 

not  eat  of  the  wasting  cruise  ; 
That  they  would  of  the  waters  of  life  drink;  feast 

on  God's  eternal  truths; 
Such  grow  venerable  in  age,  yet  vigorous  as  the 

blushing  youths. 
That  City,  truth  will  long  hold  in  siege,  but  must 

wait  until  its  day  is  o'er; 
It  is  destin'd  to  stand  until  her  iniquity  be  most 

full  with  gore ; 
When  all  be  gather' d  there  which  oppose  God's 

kingdom,  it  will  be  no  more ; 


182 


'Twill  be  finish' d  and  number 'd  greatest  of  all  its 
like, — none  to  restore. 

Then  will  truth,  all  the  wealth  of  nature,  to  its 
usefulness  reclaim ; 

The  holy  things,  in  the  New  Jerusalem,  dedicate 
again ; 

Then  shall  that  haughty  queen  lament  for  her 
offerings  and  vanish' d  state. — 

The  goddess  with  her  passions  burning, — no  lust- 
ful savor  to  satiate ; 

Then  shall  her  votaries  weep,  having  no  offering 
to  bestow ; 

To  see  her  thus  sorely  weeping, — O,  it  agonizes 
so! 

Her  merchants,  upon  many  seas,  will  set  howling 
for  all  their  prospects  lost ; 

All  their  vessels  most  heavily  freighted  , — by  ris- 
ing waves  of  ocean  toss'd. 

How  sad !  left  without  a  port  to  land,  or  market 
their  freight  to  demand ; 

Every  effort  of  a  busy  life,  here,  must  perish  with 

the  man. 

That  city  stores  the  wealth  of  vanity,  even  from 
times  first  date ; 

The  flood  its  citizens  wasted,  yet,  the  riches  sur- 
vive their  fate : 

Soon  on  this  side  a  greater  'gain  more  dazzling 
beauties  to  spread, 

Where  unnumber'd  souls  have  perished,  that  the 
goddess'  lust  be  fed. 

Many  Sodoms  have  vanish' d,  yet,  that  great  Ba- 
bylon their  wealth  holds  in  store ; 

The  volupt'ousness  of  many  Gomorrahs  been  ra- 
vish'd  by  that  great  whore. 

The  children  of  that  great  parental  City  once 
spread  from  shore  to  shore ; 

Yet,  that  mother's  ever  destroying  her  daughters 
to  enrich  her  store. 


183 


That  city's  built  of  the  fragments  of  man,  on  Ed- 
en's ancient  ruins ; 

Caus'dby  the  dalliance  of  the  soul, — led  by  Satan's 
subtile  wooings 

To  adorn  self, — convert  the  powers  of  nature  to 
draw  others  to  him : 

Prove  that  man  is  not  dependent  on  the  Father, 
but  he  who  will  may  swim 

The  current  made  turbulent  by  man's  sin,  and 
make  it  subject  to  his  will, 

And  in  time  he  might  command  the  peace,  and 
all  the  universe  hold  still : 

The  longer  and  the  more  earnestly  man  labored, 
the  less  he  did  perform : 

Each  effort  brought  disorder ;  more  troubled  grew 
the  sea ;  louder  rag'd  the  storm. — 

So  he  strove  earth's  luxuries  to  gather  up;  convert 
them  into  powers, 

To  build  on  that  ancient  seat,  the  greatest  of  Ba- 
bylonian towers. 

Thus  the  most  beautiful  and  elegant  are  made  like 
instruments  of  crime ; 

Their  purity  and  usefulness  are  unsought,   the 
grandeur  by  which  they  shine. 

The  things  themselves  are  without  fault;  'tis  the 
application  that  makes  the  sin ; 

But  when  God  conies  to  judge,  he  will  truly  trace 
the  cause  to  the  point  within. 

The  things,  themselves  through  their  purity,  will 
be  reclaim' d  to  usefulness, 

While  the  man,  wherein  the  fault's  found  will  be 
subject  unto  deep  distress : 

The  loveliness  and  purity  of  life  bring  unto  man 
no  distress, 

But  adds  unto  him  more  glowing  powers  of  beau- 
ty, with  much  success. 

Then,  should  not  we  seek,  in  righteousness,  to  be 
cloth'd, — wearing  the  robe  of  peace ; 

184 


Be  enwrapped  by  those  pure  beams  of  glory,  that 

to  righteous  souls  will  ne'er  cease? 
When  the  mortal  state  will  have  been  finish' d 

and  judged,  the  righteous  few 
Rewarded ;  and  the  ungodly  into  chaos  cast,  then 

anew 

Heaven  and  a  new  earth  will  be  created  and  re- 
peopled  as  at  first, 
Yet,  the  creatures,  that  will  next  inhabit  it,  will 

be  of  less  regal  worth 
Than  man.     The  former  creations  we  know  not, 

nor  the  increate  that  are ; 
But,  that  the  earth  endureth  forever,  and  next  is 

to  be  purged  by  fire. 
God's  command  to  this  creation,  was  to  multiply, 

the  earth  replenish, 
Was  a  command  to  man  alone,  but  not  to  the 

beast,  the  fowl,  or  the  fish, — 
Then,  does  not  this  teach  that  in  the  beginning  of 

eternity  was  this 
Creation  of  the  heaven  and  the  earth?  So  earth 

survives  and  endless  bliss. 
Then,  shall  we  think  that  seraphs  and  angels  were 

tried  on  these  terrestr'al  plains; 
That  the  close  of  each  creation  constitutes  a  hea- 
ven, as  best  explains 
The  Holy  Record.     Paul  was  caught  up  into  the 

third  heaven,  so  we  find  ; 
Then,  the  states  this  earth  survives  cannot  be 

comprehended  by  human  mind, — 
Thus,  through  the  eternal  years,  God's  kingdom 

will  be  an  increasing  state ; 
Earth  may  pass  to,  untold  times,  be  inhabited  by 

the  increate : 
Yet,  Satan  will  try  each  creation,  but  to  prove 

God's  works  more  complete ; 
Through  each  creation,  Satan's  glory  will  vanish, 

God's  truths  grow  more  deed. 

185 


Through  the  eternal    annal,  God's   regulating 

hand  I  view  methink ; 
Til  all  increate  be  tried  and  proven,  the  rebellious 

crew  shall  sink : 
The  meek  and  lowly  shall  first  be  axalted,  and  the 

proud  abased ; 
The  self  important  and  arrogant '11  each  in  that 

scale  be  duly  plac'd. — 
Then,  will  the  rebellious  turn  and  most  meekly 

seek  the  Father's  grace ; 
Most  suppliantly  will  ev'ry  knee  bend,  asking  a 

servant's  place; 
Then  shall  the  rebellious  souls,  each  be  reduced 

within  that  dismal  shade ; 
In  proportion  to  their  crimes,  til  Satan  be  servant 

of  servants  made ; 
Then  shall  all  things  prosper  well,  and  the  glory  of 

eternal  glory  blaze ; 
The  celestial  more  splendid  grow ;  hell  to  itself  be 

more  intricate  maze. 

End  of  Book  II 


A  CHILD  OF  NATURE 

I,  who  was  born  in  the  trackless  solitude 
Of  the  forest,  by  the  river's  winding  course ; 
Where,  my  childhood  in  innocent  sport,  spent 
Among  fairest  flowers,  that  in  beauty  spread 
A  couch  most  magnificent ;  where  I  might  rest 
My  weary  limbs  from  the  long  fatigue  of  day ; 
There  to  engage  the  duties  of  life  without 
Thought  of  to-morrow's  needs,  which  provisions 

for 

Herself  make,  or  otherwise  go  unsupplied : 
Who  had  no  deed  of  wasting  life's  spring  to  lay 

186 


Great  stores  for  moth  and  rust,  in  decay  to  waste , 
But,  only  gather  a  supply  sufficient 
Wants  of  each  day  to  supply  with  ample  store. 
A  child  satisfied  with  the  gifts  of  Nature ; 
With  shelter  of  her  luxur'ant  foliage  pleas' d ; 
Within  her  somber  isles  delighted  to  stray, 
Where   nature's   anthems   rose   savage   souls   to 

soothe. 

No  book  I  read,  save  on  nature's  page  inscrib'd 
Truths  congenial  to  my  own  heart's  delight. 
A  God  worship' d  and  serv'd  whom  I  knew  not, 
But,  him  homage  pay  was  my  soul's  great  delight. 
There  my  childhood  was  spent ;  her  teachings  there 

learn'd 

To  love, — with  forms  invisable  to  commune ; 
Nature's  pulsation,  there,  I  inherited, 
Which,  in  music's  measur'd  strains,  drew  out  my 

life 

In  harmony  with  a  chord  before  unknown. — 
Deep  in  my  soul  (but  not  by  that  name  then 

known) 

Rose  reverence  for  a  Being,  to  describe, 
I  cannot ;  or  His  importance  to  me  speak, — 
In  whose  tender  care  I  most  delight  to  live 
In  innocency  of  His  wrath  unconstrain'd. 
My  boyhood  brought   to    riper    years, — where 

deeper 
Through  my  musings  read  greater  truths,   and 

more  plain 

The  Creator's  perfect  work  and  the  plastic 
Beauties  of  His  hand ;  in  reverential  awe, 
Which  bowed  my  heart  and  soul  with  respect 

most  pure, 

And  drew  out  life  in  deepest  admiration. 
Who  can  view  such  order  and  beauty  and  not 
Be  constrain' d  to  worship,  or  in  musing  lose 
Himself  while  pondering  o'er  life  to  such  adverse? 
I  view'd  the  great  parent  of  day,  but  not  mov'd 
By  contemplative  science  to  estimate 

187 


His  wealth  to  man,  or  find  his  years  of  cycling ; 
At  dawn,  with  love,  looked  on  his  rising  splendor ; 
Until  high  noon,  view'd  his  ascending  glory, 
In  surpassing  majesty,  a  moment  stood 
In  his  ancient  grandeur  dressed ;  the  central  force, 
In  no  mean  contempt,  but  chief  of  solor  good. 
Then  to  the  west  past  on, — evenescent  grew, 
Til  his  shim' ring  light  the  waters  laid  in  gold : 
The  mountain  crags  and  peaks  with  beauty  gilded : 
To  tint  and  adorn  the  heghts  of  other  lands 
I  knew  not  of,  or  in  fancy  e'er  pictur'd. 

The  moon,  then,  in  her  incandescent  splendor, 
To  quiet  of  repose  called  the  world  I  view'd : 
The  waters  filled  with  silver  beams  and  o'er  earth 
Poured  her  ancient  powers  of  beauty  unchanged. 
My  mind  puzzl'd  not,  her  the  sun's  negative, 
To  prove,  or  look  upon  her  the  source  of  cold, 
As  the  sun  is  of  heart ;  but,  yet,  looked  on  her 
With  youth's  familiar  eye ;  nor  with  volcanic 
Eruption  thought  her  interior  troubled ; 
Or  earth  like  e'er  pour'd  her  intestine  troubles 
Upon  her  bosom ;  or  from  inward  heat  e'er  thought 
Her  radiance  flowed,  this  earth  with  sweetness 

bless. 

I  saw  her  continue  to  rise  and  set ;  with 
Her  wealth  pleas'd  without  seeking  to  know  its 

source. 

The  stars  view'd  from  same  point  of  innocency ; 
Not  seeking  to  know,  which  to  the  sun  akin, 
Or  which  with  the  moon  classed  a  negative  groop — 
I  scrutinized  not  perfection  of  God's  works ; 
To  each  affirmative  saw  not  how  exact 
A  negative  set,  all  things  in  tact  to  hold. 
All  things  I  viewed  as  felt,  and  as  I  felt  saw 
From  an  inward  testimony  that  I  and 
They  were  creatures  of  the  same  hand ;  that  they 

were 
For  my  good  made,  but  my  worth  to  them  knew 

not. 

188 


The  years  of  purity  I  now  well  had  reach' d, — 
To  my  side  called  one  of  like  maturity 
From  the  opposite  sect,  my  peace,  to  augment 
And  in  volume  rise  to  a  smooth  current,  free 
From  the  breakers  that  lay  at  the  seat  of  life ; 
To  flow  on  in  silent  grandeur  to  life's  sea, 
Like  some  noble  river  in  majesty  moves 
On  to  the  deep,  when  all  founts  their  tributes  paid ; 
We,  like  two  streams,  to  form  one  river,  destin'd : 
Having  their  sources  far  distance,  though  within 
The  same  system  bound,  unconcsiously  moved  on 
To  the  same  point,  one  mighty  course,  to  form ; 
So  forming  a  more  noble  stream  that  rolls  in 
Deeper  majesty  to  the  Eternal  Main. 
Of  times  the  stream  from  one  of  these  sources  cease, 
While  the  other,  in  melancholly,  keeps  its 
Silent  way.     Sometimes  unites  another 
The  void  to  supply,  though  never  to  remove 
That  melancholly  from  the  deserted  course. 
Oftimes  two  streams  unite  their  floods,  which  are 
In  course  to  opposite  points  bound,  such  forming 
Whirlpools  great ;  deviations  in  course,  and  sand 
Galls  burst,  and  much  beauty  from  its  face  de- 
tract; 

But,  when  they  reach  the  Eternal  Deep,  all  calm. 
Lives  like  rivers  sometime  loose  themselves  in  the 
Desert  sand,  and  never  reach  that  lasting  rest. 
These  great  truths,  I  have  observed  and  in  my 

course, 

Though  short,  I  have  somewhat  realiz'd  ;and  hence 
Howe'er,  will  find  life  alike  to  others  true. 

In  the  depths  of  the  ancient  forest ;  in  its 
Primeval  solitudes,  untouch'd  or  trod 
By  cilivized  man,  in  veneration  bowed  to 
Worship  the  Creator  and  preserver  of 
That  sylvan  beauty.     He  I  knew  as  the  Good 
And  the  Devil  as  the  Evil  Spirit,  but 
The  Good  Spirit's  omnipitence  I  knew  not, 
But  praised  him  and  feasted  before  him  in  love 

189 


And  obedience — a  continuance  of  his 
Favor,  invoking ;  at  seed  time  asking  that 
Fecund  powers  benign  might  smile  on  the 
Seed  scatter'd,  and  a  bounteous  harvest  yield. 
The  Evil  Spirit  I  at  the  same  time  prayed 
To  leave  unblighted,nor  seek  to  prevent  the 
Favors  the  Good  Spirit  for  me  sought  to  give : 
At  harvest  when  I  garner' d  the  season's  wealth 
To  the  propitious  gave  thanks,  and  alike  to 
The  Evil  for  permitting  me  to  receive 
Heaven's  favors  untouched  by  blight  of  mildew : 
But,  knew  not  that  I  was  robbing  the  Good  of 
His  praises  justly  due  to  give  my  Arch  Foe. — 
But  from  observation  just  find  his  bounty 
To  the  faithful  pour,  and  from  the  unjust  hold 
His  ample  gifts;  That  famine,  pestilence  and 
Mildew's  blighting  force  were  but  marks  visable 
Of  His  displeasure  recalling  proffer'd  gifts. 

In  union  with  my  consort  no  priest  called 
Our  nuptials  to  declare,  but  ta'en  her  to  me 
As  a  gift  from  the  Good  Spirit  to  complete 
My  better  nature ;  and  in  my  devotion 
To  her  Great  Spirit  to  me  grew  more 
Propitious,  because  I  in  my  devotion 
To  Him  was  bound  to  love,  cherish  and  honor 
Her  whom  He  gave  to  be  with  me  through  this  life. 
Nature,  as  it  testimony  bore  to  my 
Inward  life  or  better  nature,  was  my  law ; 
My  Guide  Supreme ;  my  revelations  divine : 
My  pleasure  in  keeping  this  grew  strong  and  great ; 
In  keeping  this  relation,  I  alone  knew  joy. 
With  the  beast  of  the  forest,  empire,  disputed ; 
From  forest  fruits  each  sustenance  gather 'd, 
And  ravenous  grew, — each  on  other  preying : 
We  each  our  kind  loved,  as  nature  had  ordain' d ; 
But,  as  to  arts  governing,  each  little  knew : 
In  waging  war  neither  wished  or  hoped  other 
To  exterminate,  but,  that  hunger's  rage  might 
Consume  the  victims  in  battle  slain, — neither 

190 


Conquest  sought,  but,  continuous  war  engage. 

A  knowledge  of  the  elementary  world 
My  attention  ne'er  engaged,  them  only  knew 
In  their  rage,  or  express  usefulness  to  man. 
The  silent  or  separate  powers  of  the 
Elements  I  ne'er  sought  to  know ;  or  engage 
Them  more  fittingly ;  or  more  excellence  add. 
I  did  not  seek  to  find  my  relation  to  the 
Vital  powers,  or  the  influence  their  lack 
Of  harmony  might  have  on  my  own  being  ; 
The  beauty  of  nature  viewed,  but  never  thought 
To  contrast  its  attractions  with  art  of  man. — 
No  majesty  saw  in  the  terrors  of  the 
Gathering  storm,  but  only  beheld  with  dread 
The  lightning  of  thunder  as  it  denuded 
The  lofty  forest  trees  of  beautiful  boughs, 
And  rifted  the  ancient  rocks  of  the  mountains ; 
Yet,  in  that  there  was  beauty  and  majesty 
Supreme — Grandeur  personified  smil'd  most  sweet ; 
Elegance  sublime,  in  perfect  dignity,  sat ; 
Her  robes  showing  no  waste  or  decaying  signs, 
But,  ever  in  pristine  purity  renewed — 
In  the  gloom  of  the  gathering  shades  of  night 
No  loveliness  saw,  but  felt  its  deepening  weight ; 
While  meloncholly  sat,  in  the  forest  deep, 
Meditating  on  eternal  gloom  of  night, 
Where  my  fore-fathers  enter'd  death's  silent  halls  ; 
And  I  soon  to  be  united  with  their  shades. 
Yet,  I  dreamed  of  waking  in  a  happy  land 
Where  the  shades  less  heavy  fall,  or  light  obscure  ; 
The  hunter  in  endless  chase  the  deer  pursue ; 
Flowers  indigenous,  endless  beauty  spread 
In  uncultured  luxury, — Flora  in  health 
Most  pure  lived  and  smiled  o'er  nature's  floral 

deep,— 

Fairest  colors  spread  o'er  a  flowery  sea 
And  resplendent  beams  of  sun  through  silvery 
Drops  of  rain  a  most  beautious  rain-bow  spread. 
Here  amidst  these  dazzling  and  endearing  scenes 

191 


I  lived  and  loved :     My  soul  communed  with  all  in 
Nature's  light, — while  my  soul  thus  commun'd 

and  loved 

My  fancy  led  to  scenes  alike  more  dazzling 
And  endearing,  which  much  increasing  my  soul's 
Intrinsic  values  by  neutriment  divine. 

Unlearned  in  art  or  by  science  taught, —  here  I 
Saw  life  in  ceaseless  and  eternal  progress 
Rise  in  honor  to  God's  majesty  supreme; 
And  not  unattended  by  an  increasing 
Splendor  of  things  with  which  the  soul  delighted 
To  commune,  and  gave  intellectual  food.— 
And  saw  man,  through  the  imbibing  of  the  soul 
Immortal  beauty,  drink ;  and  in  ecstacy 
Of  soul  into  God's  eternal  grandeur  sink. 

The  tender  plants  I  saw  bitten  by  the  frost ; 
The  fair  prospects  of  fruit  saw  untimely  blighted ; 
And  these  with  plants  and  fruits  mature  saw  per- 
ish: 

In  decay  their  beauty  saw  vanish ;  their  sweet 
Incense  and  odoriferous  purity 
Saw  in  effluvium  waste.     Yet,  nothing  is 
Annihilated, — each  principle  to  its 
Native  state  returns.     Thus  nature  is  renewed 
Continually  and  under  heaven  there 
Is  nothing  new  or  old, — the  old  is  new  made, 
But  to  grow  old  again. — The  store  from  whence 
The  ancients  fed,   I  feast,   and  from  the  same 

cloth'd; 

And  so  to  time's  end  must  man  be  cloth'd  and  fed: 
From  the  same  can  that  Nature  first  dipped  her 

brush ; 

And  with  her  plastic  hand  ,  the  ineffable 
Power  of  art,  inimitable  beauty 
Spread  upon  each  leaf  and  flower  to  which 
Earth  should  give  birth, — with  selfsame  colors  in 

splendor, 

No  less  grown,  the  botanical  fields  are  yet, 
And  till  this  eternal  chip  waste,  be  arrai'd. 

192 


I  loved  nature's  arts,  and  her  magnificence 
Display 'd  admired  from  my  inmost  soul  and  heart : 
Though  in  natural  science  untaught  by  man — 
Unlettered  as  I  was,  could  see  the  order 
Of  things  unifying  at  each  step  until  the 
Works  culminated  in  the  Supreme  Workman : 
Thus  the  universe  a  single  unit  forms 
Through  which  God  the  all  inspiring  Soul  becomes. 

I  saw, — in  wonder  and  astonishment  stood : 
How  misterious — How  grand — How  beautiful — 
How  glorious,  and  yet  so  perfect  are  the 
Eternal  Works !  Nothing  but  gives  usefulness, 
And  through  that  usefulness  perfect  beauty  forms. — 
How  pure — How  useful — How  exact  are  they  all 
While  in  the  state  where  the  Creator  plac'd  them. 

During  many  a  pleasant  day ;  on  hill  top, 
Mountain  slope,  or  in  some  delightful  vale,  my 
Drowsy  limbs  I  basked  in  the  sun's  vernal  beams. 
All  nature  saw  come  forth ;  the  genial  streams, 
To  welcome.     In  notes  of  rising  sweetness,  a 
Welcome  sang  to  inspiring  powers  of  wealth : 
All  creature's  vocal  powers  in  jub'lant  strains 
Their  full  volume  pour'd  to  my  inward  delight : 
The  youthful  breeze  of  spring  bore  a  healing  balm  ; 
Wiping  from  my  life  winters  baleful  story. 
I  then  resting  free  from  disability 
Of  body,  mind  or  soul,  lived  'lone  in  that  day : 
Deep  were  joys  of  that  day;  but  transitory. 
Each  day  mutations  brought,  but  only  to  keep 
Life's  pleasures  new  and  feed  the  soul's  fancy — 
The  most  magnificent  scenes  when  of  times  view'd 
Familiar  grow  and  most  dazzling  powers  lose : 
But,  each  return  of  those  merry  days  welcom'd 
With  new  delight ;  through  the  long  days  of  winter 
My  longing  for  their  sweet  return  grew  deeper ; 
And  sometimes  in  winter's  depth  them  liv'd  anew. 

The  season' s'change  is  life's  ragout,  it  makes  man 
Appreciate  new  nature's  prospects  return'd: 
Winter  is  time  of  Nature's  digest ;  Spring 

193 


When  she  assimilates  anew  food  ready 

Made  for  summer,  which  autumn's  intervention 

Return's  as  nature's  food  again,  new  prepar'd. 

I  no  music  heard  by  art  refin'd ;  but  as 
The  creature  felt  so  its  song  gave  utterance : 
No  science  strove  to  classify  broken  tones 
Of  human  speech ;  or  with  instrumental  sound 
Bring  it  to  accord ;  or  in  harmony  bind. 
While  elegance  and  refinements  attended 
Not  my  course,  my  felicity  was  not  less 
Complete,  than  they  in  populous  cities 
Dwell ;  where  all  life's  vanities  claim  an  honor 
To  some  human  pride ;  or  human  passion  due ; 
To  such  my  life  owed  no  debt, — or  things  unfit 
For  life's  use,  through  desire  unnatural  craved, — 
I  ate  my  soul  to  refresh,  and  to  preserve 
From  waste  my  body :  I  drank  my  thirst  to  slake,  — 
But,  not  burden  with  unnecessary  cares 
Life  as  it  kept  the  course  by  nature  designed. 
In  summer,  under  shade  of  some  lofty  tree, 
I  sheltered  from  power  of  the  mid-day  beam 
Of  the  melting  sun  at  meridian  splendor ; 
As  I  there,  alike  at  home  with  beast  and  bird ; 
Lay  ruminating,  my  musings  were  disturbed  by 
The  multitude  of  fishes  that  moved  qui'tly 
In  the  pure  waters  of  the  beautiful  brook 
Purling  its  devious  course  through  mossy  banks 
Hard-by-fringed  by  flowers  of  various  hues. 
Enticed  by  the  beauty  of  the  prospects  that 
Lay  before  me ;  by  the  fragrance  of  bowers 
Enchanted ;  and  by  the  gentle  breeze  from  the 
Brook,  with  odors  most  tenderly  laden,  sooth' d — 
While  enjoying  pleasures  of  prospects  thus  fair 
I  sought  to  know  why  inhabitants  of  seas, 
Rivers  and  lakes  were  more  numerous  than  the 
Fowls  of  air  or  the  beasts  of  forest  or  field. 
In  meditating  called  to  mind  the  stories 
Of  long  ago  as  given  my  parents  from 
Ancestors  of  old — how  the  earth  was  cover 'd 

194 


With  a  flood  of  waters  and  all  creatures 

Of  earth  and  air  were  wast'd,  save  a  few  of  each 

In  an  ark  preserv'd ;  while  the  inhabitants 

Of  the  waters  were  in  no  way  diminished. 

The  story  believed  because  'twas  a  legend 

Of  ancestral  merit ;  but  in  this  search 

Find  an  evidence  that's  unimpeachable. 

The  sun  of  life  had  now  reached  its  meridian 
Splendor  and  was  sinking  slowly,  but  surely  down 
The  western  slope  of  life ;  Deep  and  sober  grew 
The  years  as  they  sank  behind  the  western  crags : 
Physical  beauty  and  vigor  grew  alike 
Evanescent :     The  grinders  one  by  one  grew 
Dull  and  ceased :     The  shade  fell  heavier  on  the 
Window  panes  and  the  sight  daily  grew  weaker : 
The  things  of  my  youth  gradually  disappear 'd 
From  life's  scene,  sinking  under  the  mist  of  age. 
I  well  knew  where  my  sun  would  set,  but  not  when 
Or  how.     Well  I  knew  this  sun  must  rise  again, 
But  how  ?  A  brighter  star  or  smouldering  flame  ? 

I  saw  the  worm  pass  into  the  June  bug ;  take 
Wing  and  mount  upward  in  aerial  flight 
To  enjoy  sweeter  peace  of  etheral  bliss. 
While  in  its  sleep  forgot  terrestrial  woes, 
Which  were  not  resurrected  in  the  higher  life. 
The  bug  was  the  worm,  but  the  worm  wasn't  the 

bug; 

It  was  the  wonder  mutation  wrought.     The  worm 
Ceased  and  was  no  more ;  the  creature  then  put  off 
The  nature  of  the  worm,  and  liv'd  as  a  bug ; 
So  when  this  life  will  find  its  end  the  nobler 
Principles  will  shuffle  off  this  mortal  coil 
And  in  some  form;  and  in  some  way  may  live 
again. 

I  have  seen  the  caterpillar  grow  from  an 
Almost  infinitesimal  state  into 
A  well  developed  worm — loathsome  creature : 
Saw  the  same  creature  of  disgust  hide  away 
In  some  secret  corner ;  itself  bandage  well, 

195 


In  textile  art  surpassing  genius  of  man : 

There,  through  laws  divine,  the  caterpillar  change 

To  a  butterfly  arrayed  in  colors  bright ; 

On  wing  broad  and  sweeping  migrate  from  tropic 

To  tropic  to  sip  the  sweets  of  many  a  clime, 

And  its  fair  plumage  bathe  in  more  radiant 

Lights  of  gold,  so  to  always  live  in  a  clime 

To  its  nature  congenial  and  sweetest  day 

Productive.     This  question  ask  myself,  was 

The  felicity  of  the  caterpillar 

Less  perfect  than  the  butterfly's?  It  was  not. 

The  caterpillar  lived  in  realm  congenial 

To  its  nature,  and  of  things  most  loved  feasted : 

The  butterfly  could  have  nothing  more.     What 

one 

Loved  the  other  did  not.     Yet  from  the  same 
Each  taken  its  food ;  but  in  a  higher  way 
The  butterfly  fed,— instead,  the  trees  of  their 
Beautiful  foliage,  depriving,  but  sipp'd 
From  flowers  nectar  of  morning  dews  distill'd. 
Then,  before  this  body  lives  again,  what  great 
Changes  shall  it  know  ?  The  great  Fore  Parent  will 
Such  form  of  excellence  give  as  pleases  him : 
And  of  the  same  food  we  here  delight  to  taste 
Feast,  but  in  essence  of  ambrosial  state. 

After  the  noon  of  life  is  past  each  wave  or 
Blast  of  winter  testifies  of  life's  decline ; 
Each  effort  to  discharge  its  duties  speaks  of 
The  temple's  fall  and  its  last  decay  in  earth. 
Nature  is  most  exacting — nothing's  given 
But  'tis  required  again — what  earth  nourishes 
Must  to  earth  return — Earth  to  earth,  dust  to  dust 
Is  a  law  on  this  temple  wall  well  inscrib'd, — 
Immutable  and  written  indelibly 
By  truth  in  day  that  creation's  work  begun. 
As  you  can  read  the  departure  of  summer, 
Or  approach  of  autumn  in  the  cricket's  voice : 
To  pleasure  bidding  good-bye, — entreats  autumn 
To  stay  his  frost  and  snow  till  it  finds  a  sure 

196 


Shelter  in  the  bosom  of  mother  earth  from 

Ruthless  hand  of  winter  fast  approaching; 

So  can  man  from  dolorous  tones  of  nature 

Read  his  own  decline,  when  the  meridian 

Of  life  has  cross 'd — to  him  the  shades  grow  somber ; 

All  scenes  put  on  a  slight  aspect  of  mourning ; 

And  man's  soul,  yet,  in  no  gay  mood,  lives  in  pure 

Essence  of  deeper  joy ;  and  instead  of  wild 

Plants  lives  in  fields  ripe  with  rich  domestic  fruits. 

All  scenes  familiar  to  my  youth,  or  through  their 
Associated  influence  howe'er  wild 
To  others  seem,  pleasures  domestic  to  me 
Were,  or  to  themselves  had  domesticat'd 
Me  through  time's  long  accustom'd  hours  of 
straying. 

Glory  of  nations, — excellency  of  kings, 
I  knew  not  of — Vanity  of  men  or  pride 
Borrowed  not  my  comforts  to  repay  in  sloth — 
Contentment  was  my  goal,  that  by  Nature's  laws 
Found  prescribed,  temperance  laws  the  moralist 

calls, 

Which  the  philosopher  gives  in  Reason's  Code-- 
While  to  know  man  need  but  study  self  and  his 
Relation  to  all  things  observe  and  caution  take 
To  see  the  mandates  are  kept  true  as  given. 
These,  I  grew  close  in  observance  of ;  as 
The  eastern  bounds  were  receding  and  fading 
Fast  in  hazy  distance  of  twilight  of  age : 
To  each  I  clung  with  fondness  of  youth  until 
It  was  with  me  no  more,  but  forever  gone : 
Sunk  within  the  great  gulf  of  f orgetfulness : 
My  memory  for  it  mourned,  as  a  mother 
For  her  lost  babe ;  and  with  tears  as  bitter  wept. 

The  middle  years  of  man  are  by  far  less  dear 
To  old  age  than  are  the  hours  of  filial  peace ; 
For  old  age  is  but  youth  travel'd  in  reserve. 
By  same  steps  he  ascends  life's  stage,  must  de- 
scend. 
Less  permaturely  hurl'd  down  uncertain  flights. 

197 


By  alike  flight  of  steps  all  men  enters  life's 
Stage;  and  laws're  fixed  prescribing  their  actions 

there, 

But,  if  not  kept  will  soon  vanish  from  that  scene 
By  a  way  not  intended  for  man  to  go. 
Each  year  added  deeper  shades  of  twilight ;  and 
The  visions  of  my  mind  contracted  to  fields 
Of  more  narrow  space ;  my  soul  set  on  things  of 
Deeper  truths — with  eternal  facts  commun'd  my 
Mind,  and  called  my  heart  to  witness  the  musings : 
Ascended  high  summits  of  beautiful  slopes 
In  fancy's  regions ;  for  a  while  lost  myself 
In  scenes  fair  as  fancy's  feet,  in  youth,  e'er  trod ; 
Only  gathering  shades  of  heavier  tint 
To  more  consciously  tell  of  my  wasting  years. — 
Grew  more  habitual  in  habits  of  life, 
As  time  sprinkled  my  temple  with  frost  of  age 
And  silvered  over  the  raven  locks  of  youth. 
Like  ancient  grandeur  of  some  noble  city 
Sunk  in  mid-eval  chaos, — it's  majesty 
And  excellency  set  brooding  o'er  ruin'd 
Structures,  golden  vases  and  pure  marble  walls 
Deep  entered  by  earth  and  ashes  in  desert 
Or  forest  wild,  lost  to  all  save  to  it's  own 
Majesty,  a  forgotten  pile, — I  brooding 
Sat  on  mountain  crags ;  or  in  some  valley  low, 
O'er  my  life  secluded ;  soon  to  sink  in  waste 
Obscure,  save  my  spirit's  own  visitations : 
Or  like  the  eagle,  most  noble  bird  of  flight ; 
Under  fallen  crest  cow' ring  on  tallest 
Forest  bough,  overlooking  deepest  scenes  of 
Primeval  solitude, — a  more  imposing 
Scene  has  never  moved  man's  soul,  touched  his 

heart  or 

Sublimer  powers  of  greatness  brush' d  his  brow ; 
So  I  sat,  under  the  fallen  crest  of  age, 
Overlooking,  but  not  penetrating  the 
Future  solitudes,  or  sublimer  myst'ries 
That  lay  silent  beyond  the  close  of  life's  day. 

198 


Pure  and  deep  are  laws  of  everlasting  love ; 
More  fair  and  bright  are  her  fields  achieved  by 

fame, 

Where  the  spirit  of  peace  in  harmony  moves 
With  a  mind  that's  ever  sane — a  heart  by  pure 
Devotion  ruled, — waveless  as  the  endless  main : 
Yet,  within  my  soul  that  peace  is  sometimes  still, 
But,  deep  and  strong  are  the  emotions  that  roll 
Along  the  axis  that's  of  infinite  bound, 
When  the  inmost  being  of  man  is  stirred  with 
Love  and  devotion  pure  for  The  Eternal. 

I/ate  in  the  evening  of  life  my  consort 
From  me  was  taken ;  eclipsing  serenest 
Splendors  of  my  fading  light ;  pouring  deathly  chill 
Over  my  soul ;  drops  of  dew,  by  death  distilPd, 
Stood  heavy  upon  my  weeping  brow ;  but  soon 
To  be  congealed,  by  discontent  of  winter, 
Into  arctic  frost  of  age,  to  more  hoar  grow 
Through   death's  long  silent  wasteful   hours  of 

slumber. 

While  to  the  claims  of  earth  we  gave  her  body ; 
And  left  burried  within  that  cold  embrace,  my 
Only  cheer :  the  one  who  had  so  often  stood 
By  my  side  in  time  of  danger ;  shared  with  me 
My  toils ;  clasp  my  hand  in  moment  of  vict'ry ; 
And  in  hour  of  adversity  gave  succor, — 
This  question  to  myself  address' d,  shall  we  meet 
Again  ?     To  which  eternity  responded. 
In  union  unchanged,  ye  have  lived ;  the  love  which 
Bound  you  is  to  the  eternal  laws  consistent ; 
And  as  the  principles,  which  bound  you,  endure 
So  shall  you  in  union  stand ;  and  when  the  shades 
Of  death  are  passed,  in  sweeter  union  shall  meet. 
All  the  scenes  of  life,  whither  in  bereavement ; 
Moments  of  exultation ;  or  hours  of  toil, 
Closer  knit  our  souls  and  bound  with  stronger  cord. 

As  I  review  the  vicissitudes  of  life 
And  its  events ;  Strange  yet,  true  are  the  workings 
Of  a  hand  unseen,  which  moves  in  silence,  yet, 

199 


With  precision  most  exact,  to  overthrow 

The  wicked  in  their  might :     To  a  level  just 

Bring  them,  and  the  pure  of  heart  to  a  station 

High  exalt.     If  man  could  but  look  into  the 

Infinite  exactness  of  Eternal  Laws 

He  would  there  see  weighing  ev'ry  influence. 

And  where  they  belong  placing,  till  an  event 

Most  precise  stands  prominent  as  the  result ; 

Though  it  be  far  from  the  result  intended 

By  the  creature,  who  stands  as  the  prime  mover 

Visiable  to  mortal  sight. — Force  invisible, 

Though  most  evident  in  the  gaining  each  goal, 

Disposes  man's  every  proposition ; 

And  prospers  or  wastes  his  prospects  as  is  just. 

Unlearned  in  Heavenly  visions  as  I  was, 
Yet,  could  see  rule  of  an  all  disposing  hand 
Prevailing  in  each  effort  and  work  of  man : 
Great  and  miraculous  is  work  of  that  hand, 
Which  unseen  moves  to  wend  its  secret  power, 
Disposing  aright  man's  every  purpose 
As  the  scale  of  eternal  justice  metes  it. 
Then  in  me  what  could  there  be  more  wise  than 

to  set 

My  affections  on  that  Being  Eternal ; 
To  his  disposal  trust  my  ev'ry  prospect ; 
And,  to  his  might  supreme,  consecrate  my  life  ? 
In  each  result  rejoicing,  knowing  it  true, 
Considering  well  the  means  and  how  employed. 
I  have  spent  in  holy  communion,  this  life, — 
In  the  rising  and  setting  of  its  sun  I've 
Kept  pure  my  inward  source  of  light  and  its  flame, 
Yet,  glows  unabated  in  first  purity : 
None  of  Nature's  gifts,  I've  lavishly  wasted ; 
Or  in  luxurious  pride  delighted ;  but 
In  way  as  best  I  knew  have  served  Nature  true : 

As  I  received  this  life,  so  I  resign  it ; 
And  each  to  its  realm  consign  my  sev'ral  parts ; 
Leave  to  the  great  Author  and  Finisher 
Of  Nature  to  dispose  as  most  pleases  Him. 

200 


MEMORY 

In  the  sweet  sunny  south  'mong  mountains  rare, 

There  is  a  haunt  to  me  most  fair ; 

It  was  not  fashioned  with  beauty  to  glare, 

But  its  shades  no  pleasures  doth  spare. 

Oftimes  through  memory  there  I  yet  dwell, 
And  sport  anew  with  brothers  I  love  well ; 
Repeat  in  youthful  frolic  and  fun 
Old  puns  and  games,  which  have  long  since  gone. 

Sweet  memory,  thy  branch  is  ever  green, 
Fraught  with  return  of  pleasures  now  unseen ; 
Yet,  for  thee,  when  once  past  be  forever  gone, 
But   through   thee   their   sweet   influence   doth 
return : 

By  thee  we're  enabled  to  live  past  again, 

And  thus  trace  life  as  one  continuous  chain ; 

In  few  swift  hours  repeat  pleasures  of  many  a 

game; 
But  to  recall  our  cruel  tricks  with  much  regret 

and  shame : 

Make  past  joys  a  healing  balm  for  present  pains, 
List  to  mother's  lullaby  with  renew' d  strains ; 
Recall  a  mother's  cares,  that  with  us  had  no  claim, 
Yet,  causes  the  fire  of  the  soul  to  renew  its  flame  : 

To  mingle  past,  present  and  future  into  one ; 
Render  sweetest  of  present  and  past  the  future's 

own: 
Thus  an  increasing  volume  of  pleasure  into  the 

future  rolls ; 
The  history  of  past  and  present  unite  what  future 

unfolds. 


201 


Destroy  memory  and  the  progress  of  the  world 

will  cease, 

It  brings  materials  for  life's  monumental  increase ; 
Serves  as  a  guide  that  from  evils  of  the  past  we 

may  turn ; 
So  enabling  us  a  better  and  more  sure  course 

discern : 

Making  the  to-morrow  free  from  ills  of  to-day, 
That  each  moment  we  may  more  godliness  display— 
As  we  start  forth  into  life  on  it  our  progress  de- 
pends ; 

The  use  we  make  of  time's  fragments  gives  our 
standing  with  men. 

Memory's  but  a  history  within  itself 

Recording  how  our  past  hours  and  days  were 

spent; 

Showing  how  acts  from  circumstances  are  made ; 
And  proving  how  causes  into  events  lead. 

Then,  history  is  but  a  journal,  which  intends  to 

state 
The   condition    of    articles   receiv'd   by   mental 

freight ; 

Also  their  number,  as  they  in  importance  relate 
The  progress  or  final  destiny  of  some  great  state. 

To  give  the  history  of  a  nation  is  but  to  show 

By  progressive  science,  the  paths  its  inhabitants 

go; 

And  by  the  principles,  on  which  it  took  its  stand, 
Prove  its  position  'mong  the  nations  of  the  land ; 

Or  bring  to  light  the  reality  of  its  prides 
By  tracing  its  beauty  through  scientific  strides ; 
The  customs  and  religion  of  the  people  see 
In  the  monuments  of  the  Country  which  they 
leave. 

202 


It  is  easy  to  find,  by  the  plants  and  trees  that  grow 
The  harvest  reap'd  or  the  kind  of  seed  farmers 

would  sow ; 
From  the  condition  of  climate,  it  would  be  plain 

to  see 
What  the  industrial  pursuits  of  the  people  would 

be. 

To  see  the  bloom  of  the  peach,  while  yet  on  the 

tree, 

'Tis  hard  to  tell  of  what  character  the  fruit'll  be ; 
Till  it  has  ripen'd,  we  can't  understand  or  see, 
Whether  it  will  cling  to  the  stone  or  be  free. 

So  in  the  relics  of  a  nation,  though  to  the  heavens 

may  lume, 
The  customs  and  habits  of  its  people  will  continue 

to  bloom ; 

But,  in  this  'tis  hard  to  read  their  hopes  and  fears ; 
Or  know  their  rulers  to  be  prophets  or  seers. 

In  monumental  glory  the  pride  of  a  nation  may 

live; 

In  statuary  gems  devotion  of  its  people  may  give ; 
In  glowing  colors  paint  the  beauties  of  the  land ; 
In  the  polish  of  art  show  the  touch  of  the  hand : 

But,  the  conditions  under  which  the  structures 

were  rear'd, 

Must  from  counterfeit  of  imagination  be  clear 'd 
By  facts  bearing  evidence  to  the  course  that  was 

stear'd, 
That  same  were  in  harmony  with  voice  of  rule  there 

hear'd. 

And  from  these  proofs  be  it  faithfully  observed, 
Whether  the  people's  voice  or  another  was  served ; 
And  by  these  prove  the  relics  to  be  genius's  bloom, 
Or  they  superstition  and  pride  of  kings  presume. 

203 


Memory  hath  power  to  turn  time's  gray  hairs 

black  ; 
To  strike  from  the  bending  form  of  age  the  crook' d 

back; 

But,  not  to  stay  the  current  in  which  nature  flows 
To  drift  us  far  beyond  the  troubl'd  wave  of  woes. 


THE  OLD  AND  THE  NEW 

Year,  like  many  thousands  gone,  thy  knell  is  rung ; 
By  tongues,  which  daily  praised  thee,  thy  dirge  is 

sung; 

To  thy  close  many  lives  have  but  linger' d  through ; 
To  many  woeful  hours,  glad  to  bid  adieu. 
Yet,  within  thy  many  merry  chamber  cells, 
Many  a  golden  deed  in  secret  there  dwells, 
Serenely  buried  within  its  own  deep  grave, 
For  which  minds  may  delve  and  hearts  may  wish 

to  lave 

Within  the  purity  of  its  own  silent  wave ; 
To  well  extract  its  essence  and  beauty  save : 
A  gift  invaluable  to  hearts  that  know 
The  joy  that  from  such  silent  impulses  flow. 

Many  are  the  events  which  must  dwell  with  thee, 
Within  thy  faithful  bosom  rest  full  and  free : 
Many  and  deep  are  the  waves  which  roll  beyond 
The  first  annual  surge  thou  art  built  upon : 
Yet,  many  may  be  waves  of  incoming  tide 
To  cover  deep  with  mist  place  where  thou  reside. 
Many  beautiful  monuments,  thou  hast  built ; 
Many  precious  lives  on  thy  peaceful  shore  spilt, 
Which  succeeding  time  will  note  by  columns  tall ; 
While  other  years  grow  eventful  by  their  fall. 

For  ungrateful  men,  thou  art  marked  deep  with 

shame, 

But  time  is  kind  and  will  rid  thee  of  that  stain. 
The  good  will  to  the  future  rich  fruitage  bear, 

204 


While  coming  years  will  a  nobler  gift  prepare. 
With  deep  regret,  we  note  thy  last  sand  is  run, 
But  welcome  thy  cheerful  sister  ready  come. 
She  comes  to  us  in  a  bright  and  merry  day, 
But  we'll  tell  her  not  that  she  must  speed  away 
On  time's  broad  swift  wing,  prolific  with  decay; 
Most  relentless,  even  to  the  sweets  of  May. 

With  the  old  year  lies  many  vows  made  and  broke, 
To  which  the  incoming  year  may  breathe  new 

hope; 
And  revive  the  hearts  and  souls  that  such  vows 

made 

With  power  inspiring  that'll  not  let  them  fade 
From  their  lives  til  they  are  well  and  truly  kept ; 
Comforting  the   heart,   that  for  their  breaking 

wept. 
Thou,  New  Year,  rich  and  pure  with  untainted 

light, 

Will  but  know  thy  existence,  before  a  blight, 
From  a  ruthless  hand,  will  rest  upon  thy  sight ; 
And  some  foul  creature  proclaim  that  it  is  right 
For  thee,  an  innocent  and  unspotted  page, 
To  be  smeared  and  checkered  o'er  with  such  out- 
rage. 

Man,  how  beautiful  would  be  the  years  that  roll, 
If  thy  Maker  but  honor'd,  kept  pure  thy  soul, — 
What  could  there  be,  but  an  endless  round  of  bliss? 
The  new  born  sister  press  with  a  welcome  kiss 
The  lips  of  her  honor'd  sister  timely  ceased, 
With  this  injunction,  wait  my  return  in  peace. 

Many  and  tender  are  the  hearts  that  will  lay 
Beneath  the  sod,  before  'nother  New  Years'  Day ! 
Many  and  beautiful  are  cheeks  that  will  press 
The  turf,  which  their  own  hands  will  for  others 

dress. 

Deep,  pure  and  sweet  are  the  melodious  lays, 
That  will  be  sung  during  this  years  coming  days : 
Loud  and  lamentable  are  voices  that'll  wail 


205 


For  dear  ones,  whose  lovely  cheeks  in  death  will 

pale. 

We  should  let  our  lives  pass  as  a  tale  well  told — 
Like  time,  in  succession  of  years,  must  grow  old. 


LOVE 

Love  is  light  and  beauty  of  the  soul's  bright  sun, 
Flowing  from  that  Being  from  whom  all  blessings 

come; 

To  make  this  human  sphere  a  fertile  plain, 
When  water 'd  and  nourish' d  by  crystal  rain, 
That  falls  in  a  most  gentle  sooting  strain 
In  sympathetic  strength  for  others  pain : 
Thus  causing  the  seed  of  virtue,  which  Heaven 

has  sown, 
In  this  human  soil,  in  full  strength  and  power  to 

bloom ; 

Free  from  the  tar's  troublesome  rankling  wrath ; 
Seeking  a  cause  against  virtue  to  cast ; 
Its  purity  and  sweetness  of  growth  to  blast, 
That  its  culture  in  human  fields  might  not  last. 

This  human  sphere's  a  garden  of  heav'nly  soil, 
In  which  for  man  to  live  rejoice  and  toil ; 
Surrounded    by    atmosphere    congenial    to    the 

growth 

Of  either  the  flowers  of  virtue,  or  thistly  sloth  — 
The  seed  of  good  and  evil  both  lay  claim 
To  flourish  'lone  throughout  this  mortal  plain,— 
Then,  since  conditions  be  like  congenial  to  each, 
It  depends  on  the  conclusion  that  the  keepers 

reach ; 
Whither  this  life  shall  be  cumbered  with  fruitless 

growth, 

Or  crowned  with  a  fruit  of  purest  heavenly  worth. 
Truth's  that  principle  of  love  symbolic  of  that 

beautiful    heavenly    blue, 

206 


Which  e'er  permeate  this  universe  in  all  its  parts 

most  exact  and  true: 
As  this  world  of  flowers,  in  their  many  and  varied 

hue, 
Is  rendered  most  beautiful  by  the  many  shades 

of  blue,— 
So  lives  and  acts  of  men  with  generosity  and 

gentleness  bedews 
Social  circles  accordingly  as  this  principle  in  their 

lives  diffuse. 
Purity's  that  principle  of   love  emblematic  of 

purest  white, 
Which  is  neither  color  or  refinement,  nor  neither 

is  it  light; 
That  giveth  no  reflection,  yet,  'tis  never  obscure 

from  sight, 
Having  power  to  claim  fancy  of  the  loftiest  in 

their  flight, 
Or  to  show  itself  in  deepest  ;in  the  stillest ;  darkest 

night. 
White's  that  element  in   nature   akin   to   both 

color  and  light,— 
Being  neither,  yet,  from  it  all  the  powers  of  beauty 

flow, — 

Various  shades  and  hues  in  nature  from  its  influ- 
ence grow. 

The  soul  of  man  is  that  purity  in  human  life, 
To  give  shade  and  coloring  to  all  our  acts  and 

strife. 

The  soul  within  itself  is  ever  pure  and  clean, 
And  so  remains  till  tinctured  by  the  foul  and 

mean; 
Then,  'tis  truly  said,  the  temple  wherein  it  dwells 

becomes  unclean 
By  reason  of  the  wrong  for  which  it  must  forever 

bear  a  stain : 

So  against  man  judgment  the  Almighty  did  pro- 
claim ; 


207 


That  he  would  not  dwell  in  a  temple  foul  and  un- 
clean ; 

But,  still  through  mercy  would  condescend 
To  refit  man  for  that  better  end 
If  he  would  accept  that  eternal  purity  that  from 

Him  came; 
And  alike  all  other  principles  ever  with  Him  pure 

and  clean, — 
Which  pervades  this  universe  its  influence  to 

wend; 
Ever  present  with  sin,  yet,  with  sin  it  will  not 

blend. 
By  accepting  that  purity,  which  cannot,  will  not 

change, 
As  the  only  balm  to  purge  his  soul  from  its  woeful 

stain ; 

And  to  seal  this  hope  in  a  way  man's  soul  to  win 
The  comforter  came  to  lead  through  this  vale  of 

sin 

To  that  land  where  transgression  is  sure  slain, 
And  its  victims  delivered  to  death's  claim ; 
Returning  each  influence  to  the  elements  from 

which  it  first  came, 
Just  as  hues  of  decaying  flowers  return  to  their 

colors  again; 
Leaving  each  pure  in  itself  and  the  soul  again 

clean ; 

The  Spirit  then  embalms  perpetu'ly  against  stain : 
So  when  our  mouldering  dust  be  fashion' d  into  its 

form  again 
The  spirit  will  unite  the  body  and  soul  in  life 

without  pain. 
Unless  the  soul  be  so  steeped  and  deeply  imbrued 

with  stain 
To  leave  nothing  pure  to  consecrate  to  God's  holy 

name, 

Then  that  soul  has  hope,  eternal  life  to  gain ; 
But,  if  all  God'd  accept  be  wast'd  in  disdain 


208 


To  his  holy  laws  for  earthly  pleasures  or  worldly 

fame, 
What  then,  can  the  reward  of  that  soul  be,  but 

endless  pain? 
If  man's  food  be  purely  of  the  vegetable  and  the 

mineral  line, 
'Twill  only  nourish  those  principles,   which  to 

humanity  incline; 
Since  in  the  veg' table  and  min'ral  kingdoms  there 

be  no  evil  design 

To  stain  the  soul  of  man  or  to  darken  any  reflec- 
tion of  his  mind,— 
But,  to  establish  him  truly  in  strength  with  the 

approach  of  time  ; 
Enable  him  the  magnitude  of  humanity  to  do 

fine. 
Man  was  fashion'd  from  the  earth  by  that  same 

power 

That  calls  into  life  ev'ry  leaf,  bud  and  flower ; 
And  their  beauty  moulded  from  the  same  clay  from 

which  man  was  form'd  ; 
Possessing  all  the  elements  from  which  earthly 

man  was  born. 
The  soul  of  man's  the  harmonized  elements  of  his 

earthly  form; 
Set  to  action  by  the  deep  current  of  life,  when 

pure,  flush  and  warm, 
Which' s  heat'd  and  caus'd  to  flow  by  influence  of 

a' rial  power; 
Thus  with  the  pure  beauties  of  heavenly  love, 

flush  man  and  flower. 

When  God,  in  his  law  to  man,  did  his  food  define, 
He  withheld  from  him  no  herb,  fruit  of  tree  or  vine ; 
But  of  the  living  of  earth  and  air,  denominated 

foul  and  beast, 

It  is  especially  specified  to  man  of  which  to  feast. 
Then  God,  who  knows  best,  we  must  concede, — 
Has  said  flesh,  man's  hunger  to  appease, 


209 


Should  be  taken  from  the  herbiverous  class  that 

graze; 
Distinguished   by   nat'ral   features   and   natural 

ways. 


LIBERTY  BELL 

In  Old  Liberty  Hall  hung  a  bell; 
Sweetest  music  'twas  destined  to  tell, 
And  when  its  message  tolled  loud  and  free 
Its  soul  rifted  deep  from  inmost  glee  — 
Rending  wide  the  imperial  veil  ; 
With  her  purple  rigging  Freedom's  sail, 
To  plow  the  wave  of  no  mystic  sea, 
But  alike  the  industrious  bee, 
Direct  her  bark  to  no  unknown  cause ; 
On  marble  slabs  gave  constitut'd  laws 
Deep  engraved  and  well,  with  Freedom's  pen, 
Inscribed  upon  hearts  and  souls  of  men. 
To  Freedom's  sons,  yet,  stands  open  wide; 
Pouring  its  music  o'er  purple  tide, 
Deeply  colored  by  the  Nation's  blood, 
Which's  augmenting  wealth  of  Freedom's  flood  - 
Which  inspired  the  patriotic  soul 
To  lay  his  limbs  in  the  silent  mould  — 

Deeply  inspiring  are  tones  that  float 
Soft  like  voice  that  to  Elijah  spoke ; 
Breathing  confidence  to  faithful  soul ; 
Speaking  words  rich  with  wealth  of  life's  goal. 
That  tongue  spoke  with  no  impious  word, 
When  its  pure  embosom'd  truth  out  pour'd; 
The  nation's  speech  in  deep  tones  was  heard 
Vibrating  pure  from  the  belfry  height, 
Laden  with  essence  of  Freedom's  light 
Floating  soft  on  immaculate  breeze, 
Declaring  with  ineffable  ease 
The  excellency  of  liberty; 
Glory  of  a  nation's  majesty. 

210 


Music's  sweet  strains  each  vibration  toll'd, 

Spreading  glad  tidings  from  pole  to  pole ; 

On  earth's  east  and  westmost  strand  they  met ; 

Touch' d  each  nation's  heart,  till  cheeks  were  wet 

With  deep  streams  of  patriotic  tears 

For  its  own  thralldom,  each  heart  yet  wears. 

When  that  tongue  proclaim'd  Liberty's  birth, 
The  news  serenely  spread  out  the  earth; 
And  ne'er  rested,  but,  in  hearts  most  pure; 
From  the  will  of  traitors  made  secure,— 
Safe  in  precincts  of  life  most  holy, 
Found  in  the  human  heart  most  lowly ; 
Meekly  bowing  to  truths  low  or  high ; 
Each  force  opposing,  strong  to  defy. 
Of  America's  rights  prevailing 
That  tongue  well  spoke ;  of  hearts  assailing 
Wrongs,  which  tyrants  had  and  would  impose 
On  their  loyal  subjects,  not  their  foes. 
Souls  that  could  live  but  in  Freedom's  air; 
In  beauty  of  manhood  strong  and  fair, 
Arose  such  flagrant  wrongs  to  oppose ; 
Stood  boldly  for  rights  to  transmit  those, 
Who  at  their  forest  homes  spent  those  days, 
By  deep  flowing  streams,  in  childish  plays,— 
In  fields  unnoted  on  page  of  fame, 
Yet,  most  deep  inscribed  was  freedom's  name 
In  hearts  that  por'd  their  blood,  life's  sweet 

stream, 

O'er  plains  now  verdant  with  living  green  — 
Fruits  grow  riper  and  fairer  in  soil 
Mark'd  by  Freedom's  blood, — her  scenes  of  toil. 

No  soul,  except  a  tyranic  fiend ; 
Or  cowardly  wretch,  most  low  and  mean, 
Can  breathe  this  air,  or  such  music  hear, 
Except  in  freedom's  ranks,  he'll  appear, 
And  bare  his  breast  to  the  tyrant's  spear, — 
No  imperial,  save  God  will  fear. 


211 


TO  A  FRIEND 

I  almost  envy  you  your  place  of  toil, 
Amid  rare  beauties  of  the  virgin  soil; 
Visited  by  pure  limpid  waters  of  a  purling 

stream, 

Which  testifies  of  Nature's  love  beneath  the  smil- 
ing green ; 
Where  the  sqirrel  would  live  in  sport  along   the 

mossy  brink ; 
And  with  the  wild  bird  partake  of  life's  luxurious 

drink. 

Within  that  scene  so  sweetly  blest, 
The  birds  're  playful  and  seem  to  rest 
Their  lives  in  innocent  love  and  faithful  trust 
To  Him  who  gave  the  beauty  from  out  the  dust : 
The  glorious  contentment,  which  smiles  beneath 

those  bowers, 
Is  made  an  object  lesson,  most  true,  to  these 

hearts  of  ours. 

The  sunbeams  steal  among  that  foliage  true 
To  sip  the  freshness  of  the  morning  dew ; 
And  mingle  in  that  realm  of  constant  peace, 
Where  nature  enjoys  perpetual  feast: 
And  there  you  say  the  course  of  this  life  to  you 
Is  sad  like  the  ev'ning  shades  of  day's  adieu: 
Yet,  with  you,  I  know  there  is  a  life  of  truth 
Holding  communion  with  that  sylvan  proof; 
Spreading,  about  you,  its  pleasant  shades ; 
Blessing  the  path  where  your  spirit  leads. 


TO  A  LADY  FRIEND 

If  time's  wings  may  moulder  to  dust, 

Or  truth  decay  by  waste  of  rust ; 

If  there  be  no  test  to  try  the  weight  of  tears ; 

No  sun  to  mark  the  varying  course  of  years: 

Then  my  love  for  you  may  have  only  seem'd ; 

212 


May  pass  from  my  mind  as  a  fading  dream. 
But,  since  truth  can  know  no  waste,  nor  to  false- 
hood incline; 

Nor  its  last  be  marked  by  etern'ty  or  close  of  time, 
So  my  affections  for  you'll  bear  as  true  a  test 
When  time  will  have  folded  her  wings  in  ceaseless 

rest: 

My  love  for  you  be  as  a  gath'ring  day, 
When  all  things  timely  will  have  passed  away. 
Two  lives  made  precious  through  love,  to  that 

perfect  Eye 
Should  never,  in  doubt  or  fear,  ask  the  question, 

"  Why?" 
For  two  souls,  lit  by  Truth  to  Love's  highest, 

purest  aim, 
Are  like  congenial  spirits, — part'd  to  meet  again. 


TO  A   LADY    FRIEND    AFTER    VISITING 
HER  HOME 

You  are  precious  in  my  life, — 
No  image  of  woe  or  strife, 
But  a  type  of  truth  and  love 
Gathering  strength  form  above. 
In  life  you  seem  as  pure  as  a  budding  flower ; 
Seeking  innocent  rest  in  a  silent  bower, 
Where  nature  may  speak  to  the  heart 
Of  beauty  through  innocent  art: 
The  power  of  affection  simple  and  true ; 
Represented  and  expressed  in  all  we  view : 
Where  shades  seem  pleasant  because  they're  so; 
The  birds  sing  sweetly  when  free  from  woe : 
With  no  object  to  present  to  the  mind 
The  woes  and  miseries  of  human  kind; 
With  all  things  pure  like  thy  own  heart's  love ; 
True  and  faithful  as  the  patient  dove, — 
But,  things,  which  are  born  to  act  and  not  to 
speak, 

213 


From  their  example,  we  consolation  take; 

For  if  they  ever  have  sorrows,  trials  or  woes, 

Such   vexations    and    disappointments,    no    one 
knows. 

Then  to  see  the  motives  from  whence  our  actions 
rise; 

To  find  them  equally  true,  it  would  us  surprise ; 

For  we  cannot  read  them  true  from  what  they 
express, 

Unless  we  can  know  ev'ry  fault  through  which 
they  pass: 

Then  let  human  frailties  be  buried  'neath  reason 
deep 

And  ever  give  the  true  course  of  life  a  constant 
sweep, 

To  drift  from  our  being  things  which  faulter  by 
decay ; 

Leaving  purer,  deeper,  patient  deeds  their  con- 
stant sway: 

A  happy  state,  then,  will  surely  flow; 

Life  no  more  speak  of  sorrowing  woe. 

Your  home  must  be  a  place  of  constant  bliss, 

Where  such  passing  pleasures  are  never  missed ; 

But  succeeded  by  new  joys  of  their  like  ; 

Such  influence  gend'ring  day  without  night. 
Your  mother,  a  guarding  angel,  seems  to  pass, 

Performing  deeds  and  speaking  words  that  e'er 
last; 

And  you  to  imitate, — conscious  of  her  worth, 

Are  striving  to  mould  a  life  of  lasting  truth. 
Your  father  seems  a  devoted  happy  man 

Because  of  the  support  of  your  mother's  hand : 

Guided  by  a  mind  of  religious  peace, 

Which  flows  full  with  joys  that  can  never  cease. 
Then,  when  we're  apart  let's  not  think  of  fault- 
ing love, 

But  live  constantly  in  that  peace,  which  flows 
from  God,— 


214 


Which  Truth  alone  can  join  hearts  to  abide  in 
peace ; 

Bidding  doubt  and  superstition  to  fore'er  cease. 
My  love  for  you  can  never  grow  old, 

Less  it  be  to  waste  my  life  and  soul 

In  affections  consuming  unquenchable  flame, 

Which  would  prove  that  I  have  not  loved  you, 
but  a  name: 

That  where  I  sought,  your  heart  did  not  dwell ; 

But  thing  sought  was  but  a  magic  spell. 

I,  yet,  believe  your  heart  is  in  league  with  con- 
stant truth, 

And  since  I  have  sought  it  there,  I  will  not  know 
reproof ; 

But  on  truth's  mansion  find  it  there  to  please 

The  heart  and  mind  that  seek  that  realm  of  ease. 


THE  WAY 

Toil  on,  ye  poor,  be  not  dismayed, 

Look  defiance  boldly  in  face ; 
Discharge  your  duty  in  honest  weight, 

And  think  to  labor  is  no  disgrace. 

The  poor  are  they  who  preserve  the  world 
From  the  worship  of  the  image  gold; 

And  teach  man  as  ever  of  old, 
Human'ty's  a  principle  of  soul. 

Then,  can  any  man  disdain  his  lot, 
Or  feel  he's  not  human,  but  a  blot; 

Because  a  humble  duty  is  his  to  discharge, 
And  not  other's  woes  to  pity  without  regard  ? 

But,  think,  O  man,  your  lot  is  great, 

Not  all  we  do's  decreed  by  fate ; 
But,  that  all  who  labor,  justly  to  obtain, 

May  sufficiently  share  all  there  is  to  gain. 

215 


We  may  each  to  our  lot  in  life  become  reconciled 
By  pursuing  things  of  life  as  men  and  not  a 
child; 

For  how  we  pursue  things  that  are, — 
The  end  we  reach  is  just  and  fair. 

It  seems  rather  hard  for  most  men  to  reconcile 
Their  minds  to  principles  leading  to  higher 
clime ; 

But're  set  to  pursue  things  of  less  consequent, 
Than  to  reach  the  higher  plain  by  slow  ascent. 

There's  a  way  to  all  things  if  man  will  pursue, 
Most  clearly  marked  by  principles  just  and  true : 

That  end  we  all  may  reach,  if  we  strive  to  do ; 
And  that  clime  we  may  know  by  its  pleasant 
view. 


216 


Poems 


h. 


M191879 


/  7x' 
YC159806 


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